Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to need" in Korean: 필요하다
필요하다piryohada
to need in Korean is 필요하다 (piryohada). 필요하다 describes something as needed; 필요한 thing normally takes 이/가, unlike English need with an object.
to need: an everyday statement
시간이 더 필요해요.sigani deo piryohaeyo.
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How to pronounce 필요하다
Say it
piryohada
/pʰiɾjohata/
Read 필요하다 as piryohada. The spoken form 필요해요 is piryohaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to need" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 필요하다piryohada | to need Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 필요해요piryohaeyo | to need (polite present) Use 필요해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 필요해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 필요했어요piryohaesseoyo | to need (polite past) Use 필요했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 필요했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 필요하다 in real life
- 1to need: an everyday statement
시간이 더 필요해요.
sigani deo piryohaeyo.
I need more time.
필요해요 is the present form of 필요하다.
- 2to need: a different situation
어제 도움이 필요했어요.
eoje doumi piryohaesseoyo.
I needed help yesterday.
필요했어요 is the past form of 필요하다.
- 3to need: a question or request
무엇이 필요해요?
mueosi piryohaeyo?
What do you need?
필요해요 is the present form of 필요하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 필요하다
Incorrect: 필요하다.
Correct: 필요해요.
When practicing to need, 필요하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 필요해요.
Incorrect: 어제 필요해요.
Correct: 어제 필요했어요.
When practicing to need, for a completed event yesterday, use 필요했어요; the present form 필요해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
필요하다 describes something as needed; 필요한 thing normally takes 이/가, unlike English need with an object. 필요해요 is the polite conversational form of 필요하다; 필요했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 필요하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
시간이 더 필요해요.
sigani deo piryohaeyo.
I need more time.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 도움이 필요했어요.
eoje doumi piryohaesseoyo.
I needed help yesterday.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to need" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to need" in Korean
How do I use 필요하다 in polite speech?
필요해요 is the polite conversational form of 필요하다; 필요했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 필요하다 in a past-tense sentence?
필요했어요 is the polite past form. 필요하다 describes something as needed; 필요한 thing normally takes 이/가, unlike English need with an object.
What does 필요해요 mean here?
필요해요 is used for to need. For example, 시간이 더 필요해요. means “I need more time.”
What should I remember about 필요하다?
필요하다 describes something as needed; 필요한 thing normally takes 이/가, unlike English need with an object.
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