需要 (xūyào) — to need

需要 (xūyào)

需要 expresses necessity or requirement. It can precede a noun (need something) or a verb phrase (need to do something), making it extremely versatile in everyday speech.

Meanings

1. [verb] To need; to require.
2. [noun] A need; a requirement; a demand.

Example Sentences

我需要你的帮助。 Wǒ xūyào nǐ de bāngzhù. I need your help.

学习中文需要很多时间。 Xuéxí Zhōngwén xūyào hěn duō shíjiān. Learning Chinese requires a lot of time.

你还需要什么吗？ Nǐ hái xūyào shénme ma? Do you still need anything?

这项任务需要大家合作完成。 Zhè xiàng rènwù xūyào dàjiā hézuò wánchéng. This task requires everyone to work together to complete it.

Collocations

Memory Hook

需 has 雨 (rain) on top: even rain has needs, falling where it must. 要 means "want/require." Together: something the sky itself requires.