必需

• Pinyin: bì xū
• Hanzi breakdown: 必 = heart with a dot, certainty; 需 = 雨 (rain) + 而 (and), originally meaning to wait for rain

Meaning

Essential; indispensable; must have. Things that are absolutely necessary.

Often confused with 必须 (must do). 必需 emphasizes that something is a necessity or essential item (必需品 necessities), while 必须 emphasizes obligatory action. Can function as verb or adjective.

Examples

1. 水是人体必需的物质，每天要喝够量。 Water is an essential substance for the human body; you need to drink enough every day.
2. 出门旅行，护照和钱是必需的东西。 When traveling, a passport and money are essential items.
3. 维生素C是人体必需的营养素之一。 Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients for the human body.

Usage Guide

Context: necessities, requirements, health

Tone: matter-of-fact

Do Say

• 这是生活必需品。(These are daily necessities.)
• 蛋白质是人体必需的。(Protein is essential for the body.)

Don't Say

• 把'必需'和'必须'混淆——必需是形容词/名词，指必要的东西；必须是副词/助动词，指必须做某事 (Don't confuse 必需 with 必须 — 必需 describes essential things; 必须 means 'must do')

Origin & History

Compound of 必 (certainly/must) + 需 (need), meaning things that are certainly needed.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal