必要

• Reading: ひつよう
• Romaji: hitsuyou
• Kanji breakdown: 必 (hitsu) — without fail, certainly, necessarily; 要 (yō) — need, essential, main point
• Pronunciation: /çi.t͡sɯ.jo.ɯ/

Meaning

Necessary; needed; essential. Indicates that something is required or indispensable.

Functions as both a na-adjective and a noun. As a na-adjective: パスポートが必要です (A passport is necessary). As a noun: 必要がある (there is a need). Often used in practical and formal contexts to state requirements. The negative 必要ない or 必要ではない means 'not necessary.'

Examples

1. この仕事にはパソコンが必要です。 A computer is necessary for this job.
2. 必要なものを買いに行きます。 I'm going to buy the things I need.
3. 今は休みが必要です。 I need a break right now.

Usage Guide

Context: requirements, work, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 必 (without fail, certainly) and 要 (need, essential point). Together they form a compound meaning 'certainly needed' — something that must be present.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal