Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 8: 5/18

必要(ひつよう)があるIt is necessary to

Structure

Verb + 必要(ひつよう) + が + ある

Details

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About ひつようがある

Like が必要(ひつよう), 必要(ひつよう)がある is an expression which is used to highlight the 'need' or 'necessity' of something. The primary difference being that 必要(ひつよう)がある highlights the need to 'do (A)', and will therefore be used with verbs (without the need for nominalization).

To use 必要(ひつよう)がある, just attach it after the plain form of the verb that you want to highlight the 'need' for.

As we can see, this construction is simply the combination of a verb + 必要(ひつよう) (creating a verb modified noun), the case marking particle が, and the う-Verb ある. In this way, it just means 'the need of doing (A) exists'.

Naturally, this grammar pattern may also be used negatively, to highlight that there is 'no need to do (A)', or that 'doing (A) is not necessary'.

Examples

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    朝(あさ)ご飯(はん)を食(た)べる必要(ひつよう)がある。

    It is necessary to eat breakfast.

    それを明日(あした)までに終(お)える必要(ひつよう)がある。

    It is necessary to finish that by tomorrow.

    この板(いた)が厚(あつ)すぎて、切(き)る必要(ひつよう)がある。

    This board is too thick, so it is necessary that it is cut.

    痩(や)せたいなら、運動(うんどう)する必要(ひつよう)がある。

    If you want to lose weight, then it is necessary to exercise.

    ホテルに泊(と)まるならカミソリを持(も)って行(い)く必要(ひつよう)がある。

    If you are going to stay at a hotel, it is necessary to bring a razor.

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ひつようがある – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (11 in total)

  • Pushindawood

    Pushindawood

    @rwmleach Hey! It might help if you break these two down into more direct translations.

    In the first sentence, the need to eat is the main focus of what “is” (ある), while the second sentence places more emphasis on the act of eating. That being said, both of these sentences essentially mean the same thing and can be interpreted as such. Cheers!

  • rwmleach

    rwmleach

    That’s very helpful, thank you. If I take the translation a step further I do see the distinction even more.

    • 食べる必要がある。- There is a need to eat.
    • 食べることが必要だ。- Eating is necessary.

    And as you suggested, if someone were to ask me the difference between those two English sentences it would be tough! Although I guess the second one feels like more general life advice, but the first one feels like it is for a more specific situation.

  • atticusd

    atticusd

    I have just noticed that some of the Readings Links are broken.

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