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Need vs Require in Korean

When you want to say you just can't live without it 🥺: ➡️ 필요하다 [piryohada] (Need)

Need vs Require in Korean — Korean vocab chart
Need vs Require

How these words work together

Both 필요하다 and 요구하다 express the idea of needing something, but they are used differently. 필요하다 means 'to need' in a general or personal sense, like needing an item or help. 요구하다 means 'to require' or 'to demand,' often used in more formal or official situations. Understanding the difference helps you use these verbs correctly in everyday and formal contexts.

Words in this chart

KoreanRomanizationEnglish
필요하다piryohadaNeed
요구하다yoguhadaRequire

Example sentences

  1. 나는 물이 필요해요.

    I need water.

  2. 회사는 직원들에게 더 많은 노력을 요구합니다.

    The company requires more effort from the employees.

  3. 이 일에는 많은 시간이 필요해요.

    This work needs a lot of time.

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