tener necesidad de
Lemma Details
Translation: to need; to have need of; to require
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'tener' (to have) from Latin 'tenere' (to hold, keep, possess) with 'necesidad' (need, necessity) from Latin 'necessitas' (unavoidable, indispensable) and the preposition 'de' (of, from) from Latin 'de'. The construction follows a common Spanish pattern of expressing concepts through 'tener' + noun rather than using a single verb.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tengo necesidad de hablar contigo sobre un asunto importante.
I need to talk to you about an important matter.
Si tienes necesidad de ayuda, no dudes en llamarme.
If you need help, don't hesitate to call me.
El proyecto tiene necesidad de más fondos para continuar.
The project requires more funds to continue.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tener' as 'to have' and 'necesidad' as 'necessity' - you literally 'have a necessity of' something.
- The English phrase 'have need of' follows almost exactly the same structure as the Spanish 'tener necesidad de'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
While this phrase is perfectly correct Spanish, native speakers more commonly use the simpler verb 'necesitar' in everyday speech. 'Tener necesidad de' can sound slightly more formal or emphatic about the urgency of the need.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tener necesidad de' and 'necesitar' both mean 'to need', 'necesitar' is a single verb that's more commonly used in everyday speech, whereas 'tener necesidad de' is a longer phrase that can emphasize the urgency or importance of the need.
This word:
Tengo necesidad de descansar después de tanto trabajo.
I have a need to rest after so much work.
Notes: In most contexts, these can be used interchangeably, but 'necesitar' is more concise and common in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Tener necesidad de' is longer and more emphatic, like saying 'I REALLY need' versus just 'I need'.
Explanation: While 'tener necesidad de' expresses a need or requirement, 'tener ganas de' expresses a desire or feeling like doing something.
Confused word:
Tengo ganas de tomar agua porque tengo sed.
I feel like drinking water because I'm thirsty.
Notes: The distinction is between something required (necesidad) versus something desired (ganas).
Mnemonic: 'Necesidad' is about necessity (need), while 'ganas' is about desire (want).