need
gb/nˈid/ us/nˈid/
A1
Kiingereza
~ 300
Maana
maana 0
Kitenzi
A1
action
1
Require something essential
To have to have or do something because it is important or you cannot be without it.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[someone] needs [something]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes confuse 'need' with 'want'; 'need' expresses necessity, not desire.
Visawe
require (Slightly more formal; often used in official or technical contexts.)
Vinyume
not require (Indicates that something is unnecessary.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
need help
|need money
|need time
|need attention
Mada
daily life
|work
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Mifano
- I need a new phone because mine broke.
- You’ll need a passport to travel abroad.
- We need more time to finish the project.
- She needs help carrying those boxes.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I need a pen.
- We need more chairs.
- Do you need water?
- They need a car.
Nomino
A2
state
2
State of lacking something essential
When you do not have something important for life or comfort.
Muundo wa matumizi:
in need of [something]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes use 'needs' when talking about a general lack ('There is need for water'), where 'need' (singular) is correct.
Visawe
necessity (Refers to something that must be had; often interchangeable but 'necessity' can sound more formal.)
Vinyume
abundance (Indicates having more than enough of something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
in need
|urgent need
|basic needs
Mada
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Mifano
- There is a real need for better public transport.
- Families in need will receive support.
- The project addresses the needs of young people.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I am in need of help.
- They have many needs.
- We help people in need.
Kitenzi
A2
action
3
Be obliged to do something
To have to do something because of rules or the situation.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[someone] needs to [verb]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes replace 'need to' with 'must' in informal conversation, but 'need to' is more common and softer in tone.
Visawe
must ('Must' is stronger and more formal; often used for strict requirements.)
Vinyume
not have to (Indicates that there is no obligation.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
need to comply
|need to follow
|need to act
Mada
work
|daily life
|law
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- You need to wear a helmet on this site.
- We need to submit the report by Friday.
- They need to show ID at the entrance.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- You need to stop here.
- I need to go now.
- We need to be on time.
Kitenzi
B1
action
4
Strongly want something nonessential
To want something very much, even if you can live without it.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[someone] needs [something] badly
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may confuse this with the necessity sense; context usually makes it clear whether it's about desire or necessity.
Visawe
crave ('Crave' often refers to food, experiences, or emotional needs and can sound more intense.)
Vinyume
not want (Indicates having no desire for something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
really need
|desperately need
Mada
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- I really need a vacation right now.
- She needs some excitement in her life.
- We all need a break sometimes.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I need some fun.
- We need a rest now.
- You need a holiday.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
need
IPA
GB/nˈid/
US/nˈid/
Silabi na mkazo
need (silabi 1)
Stress on 1st syllable (need)
Maumbo ya neno
Noun
- Base: need
- Plural: need, needs
Verb
- Base: need
- 3rd Person Singular: needs
- Present Participle: needing
- Past: needed
Familia ya neno
Forms
needs
noun
needing
verb
needed
verb
Core family
necessary
adjective A2
Negative and opposite forms
unnecessary
adjective B1
needless
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
needlessly
adverb
neediness
noun
Semi
if need be
1/ˈɪf nˈid bˈi/
fixed phrase
If it becomes necessary
If it is needed or important at some time.
Mifano
- We can make changes later if need be.
- If need be, I can work all weekend.
in need of
1/ˈɪn nˈid əv/
fixed phrase
Lacking something necessary
Not having something important and wanting it.
Mifano
- The house is in need of repairs.
- He’s in need of some rest.
need not
1/nˈid nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
Not obliged to do something now or later
You do not have to do something now or in the future.
Mifano
- You need not attend if you are busy.
- They need not apply if they lack experience.
no need to
1/nˈoʊ nˈid tə/
fixed phrase
Not necessary to do something
It is not necessary to do something.
Mifano
- There’s no need to worry about it.
- No need to call me back.