vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Necesitar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to need", and "hacer falta" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "to need". Learn more about the difference between "necesitar" and "hacer falta" below.
necesitar(
neh
-
seh
-
see
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to require)
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to need
Necesitan salir ya si quieren alcanzar su vuelo.You need to leave now if you want to make your flight.
hacer falta(
ah
-
sehr
fahl
-
tah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to require)
a. to need
Me hace falta un buen par de botas para este clima.I need a good pair of boots for this weather.
b. to be necessary
Hace falta tomar un curso de economía para calificar para el programa.A course in economics is necessary to qualify for the program.
2. (to long for) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
