必要 (bìyào) — necessary; essential; indispensable
HSK 4 | adjective | something that must exist or be done
必要 (bìyào)
必要 means necessary or essential, describing something that is required or cannot be avoided in a given situation.
Meanings
- [adjective] necessary; essential; indispensable; required
Example Sentences
有必要在会议前准备好材料。 Yǒu bìyào zài huìyì qián zhǔnbèi hǎo cáiliào. It is necessary to prepare materials before the meeting.
沟通是解决问题的必要条件。 Gōutōng shì jiějué wèntí de bìyào tiáojiàn. Communication is a necessary condition for solving problems.
这次手术是必要的，不能推迟。 Zhè cì shǒushù shì bìyào de, bù néng tuīchí. This surgery is necessary and cannot be delayed.
学好语言，有必要每天练习。 Xué hǎo yǔyán, yǒu bìyào měitiān liànxí. To learn a language well, it is necessary to practice every day.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 有必要 | it is necessary |
| 没有必要 | there is no need |
| 必要条件 | necessary condition |
| 必要措施 | necessary measures |
Usage Notes
必要 is frequently used in the structure 有必要 + verb (it is necessary to do something) or 没有必要 + verb (there is no need to do something). It is slightly more formal than 需要 (to need) and is often used in formal writing, discussions, and arguments about what is required or justified.
Memory Hook
必 means "must/certainly" and 要 means "to want/need." So 必要 means "certainly needed": something that you absolutely must have or do.