vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Be" is a copular verb which is often translated as "ser", and "need" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "necesitar". Learn more about the difference between "be" and "need" below.
be(
bi
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
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. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I'm going to the party. - So am I.Voy a la fiesta. - Yo también.
It is a lovely day, isn't it?Es un día precioso, ¿verdad?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I don't know how much salt is to be added to the sauce.No sé cuánta sal hay que añadir a la salsa.
The assignment is to be done by next Thursday.La tarea tiene que estar para el jueves que viene.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
My baby is due in three months.Mi bebé nacerá dentro de tres meses.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the dentist.Mañana voy al dentista.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Had it not been for his family, he would have never become an artist.Si no fuera por su familia, nunca habría sido artista.
If I were you, I would not go.Yo en tu lugar, no iría.
need(
nid
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to require)
b. requerir
The patient will need some time to recover.El paciente va a requerir algo de tiempo para recuperarse.
c. hacer falta
We need three more chairs for the lunch on Sunday.Nos hacen falta tres sillas más para el almuerzo del domingo.
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. necesitar
I need to go to the supermarket to buy milk.Necesito ir al supermercado para comprar leche.
b. tener que
The kids don't need to go to school tomorrow because it's a holiday.Los niños no tienen que ir a la escuela mañana porque es día festivo.
c. hacer falta
You don't need to help me move anymore; I'm hiring movers!Ya no hace falta que me ayudes a mudarme; ¡voy a contratar un flete!
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
3. (necessity)
a. la necesidad (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Everyone feels the need to be alone from time to time.Todos sentimos la necesidad de estar a solas de vez en cuando.
4. (poverty)
a. la necesidad (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The need of the families affected by the hurricane was obvious.La necesidad de las familias afectadas por el huracán fue obvia.
5. (obligation)
a. la necesidad (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
I don't know why you feel the need to help him.No sé por qué sientes la necesidad de ayudarlo.
a. la necesidad (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A rabbit's basic dietary needs are clean water, fresh vegetables, and lots of hay.Las necesidades alimentarias básicas de un conejo son agua limpia, verduras frescas y mucho heno.
