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Using necesitar in the present tense to express a need (to do something) in Spanish

Written by qualified Spanish expert Silvia Piriz BA
Last updated: 2023-06-23
3 questions

"Necesitar" in El Presente in Spanish

We use the verb necesitar + infinitivo in order to express a need. When it is followed by the infinitive, you are expressing that someone needs "to do something".

Read and listen to these examples with necesitar in El Presente:

Yo necesito hablar ahora.I need to talk now.

Tú necesitas venir a la oficina.You need to come to the office.

Sergio necesita trabajar.Sergio needs to work.

Nosotros necesitamos comer bien.We need to eat well.

Vosotros necesitáis escribir con el bolígrafo.You need to write with the pen. 

Mis amigos necesitan aprobar los exámenes.My friends need to pass their exams.

Ustedes necesitan reservar unas vacaciones en el Caribe.You need to book some holidays in the Caribbean.

You can also express that someone needs something. In this case, the verb necesitar will be followed by a noun.

Here are some examples:

Necesito dinero para el viaje.I need money for the trip.

Necesitamos un coche nuevo.We need a new car.

Ellas necesitan unos vestidos elegantes.They need some smart dresses.

See also Verbo modal and Verbos regulares -ar (presente)

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Examples and resources

Ustedes necesitan reservar unas vacaciones en el Caribe.You need to book some holidays in the Caribbean.
Vosotros necesitáis escribir con el bolígrafo.You need to write with the pen. 
Yo necesito hablar ahora.I need to talk now.
Tú necesitas venir a la oficina.You need to come to the office.
Sergio necesita trabajar.Sergio needs to work.
Nosotros necesitamos comer bien.We need to eat well.
Mis amigos necesitan aprobar los exámenes.My friends need to pass their exams.
Necesitamos un coche nuevo.We need a new car.
Necesito dinero para el viaje.I need money for the trip.
Ellas necesitan unos vestidos elegantes.They need some smart dresses.
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