How to say "need" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 要するようするsuru verb (irregular), transitive verbThe verb 'to need': use it when saying that a task, plan, or situation needs, demands, or requires something. This is the word to reach for when 'need' works as a verb in English.
- 需要じゅようnounA noun for demand: the need for goods, services, or resources as expressed in economic and market contexts. When 'need' means how much of something is wanted, this is the word.
- 貧困ひんこんna-adjective, no-adjectiveHere 'need' means want or destitution: the word is really 'poverty.' It is seldom what you want for 'need' as in requiring something; use it only when writing about poverty and hardship.
- 困窮こんきゅうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbLike 貧困, this covers 'need' only in the sense of destitution: being poor or in dire straits. It is not the word for 'need' as in requiring something; think of people in financial distress.
- 必要性ひつようせいnounThe abstract noun: the necessity or need for something, as in discussing whether there is a need for reform. Use it when 'need' names the quality of being necessary rather than the thing needed.
Choose 「要する」 when 'need' is a verb (to require), 需要 for demand in economic or market senses, 必要性 for necessity as an abstract noun, and 貧困 or 困窮 only for 'need' meaning poverty or destitution.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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