Japanese dictionary
How to say "need" in Japanese
必要ひつよう · hitsuyō
"Need" in Japanese is often 必要です (hitsuyō desu), "is necessary." In conversation, 要ります (irimasu) is also common.
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Ways to say "need" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 必要ひつよう · hitsuyō | Necessary; to need. |
| 要るいる · iru | To need (casual). |
| 〜なければならない〜なければならない · nakereba naranai | Need to; have to. |
How to use it
"I need a passport" is パスポートが必要です. Note the particle が.
"I need to go" is 行かなければなりません (ikanakereba narimasen).
Example sentences
- ビザが必要ですか。Biza ga hitsuyō desu ka.Do I need a visa?
- 袋は要りません。Fukuro wa irimasen.I don't need a bag.
- 何か必要なものはありますか。Nanika hitsuyō na mono wa arimasu ka.Is there anything you need?
- 明日までに提出しなければなりません。Ashita made ni teishutsu shinakereba narimasen.I need to submit it by tomorrow.
- 予約は必要ありません。Yoyaku wa hitsuyō arimasen.No reservation is needed.
- 少し時間が必要です。Sukoshi jikan ga hitsuyō desu.I need a little time.
Questions
How do you say "I don't need it" in Japanese?
Say 要りません (irimasen) or 大丈夫です (daijōbu desu), which is softer.
What is the difference between 要る and 居る?
Both are read iru. 要る means to need, and いる (居る) means to exist or be (for people and animals).
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.