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Conjugation Chart

“Necesitar” (to need) in the Present Tense

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Understanding the Present Tense of “Necesitar”

The simple present tense of necesitar is used to express needs or requirements in the present moment. For example, Necesito un lápiz. (I need a pencil.)

Necesitar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Necesitar in the Present Tense

Necesitar generally means “to need” or “to require”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

Basic need: This is the most common meaning, indicating a necessity or requirement. For example, Necesito agua para vivir. (I need water to live.)

Lacking something: It can also mean to be lacking or missing something. For example, La casa necesita reparaciones. (The house needs repairs.)

Obligation or duty: It can express an obligation or duty. For example, Necesito estudiar para el examen. (I need to study for the exam.)

Desire or want (colloquial): In some informal contexts, it can mean “to want” or “to desire” something. For example, Necesito un abrazo. (I need/want a hug.)

Urgency (colloquial): In colloquial usage, it can add a sense of urgency or immediacy. For example, ¡Necesito ir al baño! (I need to go to the bathroom urgently!)

Dependency (colloquial): In some contexts, it can imply a strong dependency or addiction. For example, Necesito fumar un cigarrillo. (I need to smoke a cigarette.)

Real Life Examples of Necesitar in the Present Tense

Yo necesito un café para despertarme por la mañana. (I need a coffee to wake me up in the morning.)

¿Necesitas ayuda con tus maletas? (Do you need help with your luggage?)

Ella necesita estudiar más para el examen. (She needs to study more for the exam.)

Necesitamos comprar más provisiones para la fiesta. (We need to buy more supplies for the party.)

Los niños necesitan dormir temprano para estar listos para la escuela. (The kids need to sleep early to be ready for school.)

¿Qué necesitas para tu proyecto de arte? (What do you need for your art project?)

Mi jefe necesita que yo termine este informe hoy. (My boss needs me to finish this report today.)

Necesitamos encontrar un lugar para comer antes del concierto. (We need to find a place to eat before the concert.)

Ellos necesitan practicar más su español. (They need to practice their Spanish more.)

¿Necesitas que te explique las instrucciones otra vez? (Do you need me to explain the instructions again?)

La planta necesita más agua y luz solar. (The plant needs more water and sunlight.)

Necesitamos ahorrar dinero para las vacaciones. (We need to save money for the vacation.)

Ella necesita tomarse un descanso de su trabajo. (She needs to take a break from her job.)

¿Necesitas que te recoja después del entrenamiento? (Do you need me to pick you up after practice?)

Ellos necesitan ser más organizados con su tiempo. (They need to be more organized with their time.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Necesitar (to need) in the Present Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.