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March 24, 2026
必需()bìxū(bi4xu1)
The term '必需' (bi4 xu1) means something that is essential or indispensable. It is commonly used to describe necessities in various contexts, such as basic needs in life or crucial requirements for a task. This word emphasizes the importance of something that cannot be overlooked or substituted.
Frequency#5367DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '必需' often extends beyond physical needs to include social and familial obligations, reflecting a holistic view of what is necessary for well-being and harmony in life.
Memory Tip
Think of '必' as representing 'must' or 'certainly,' while '需' relates to 'need.' Imagine a person who must have their essential supplies, like food and water, to survive. This visual of a survival kit helps connect the characters to their meaning.
Meanings of 必需
bìxū(bi4xu1)
1to need
2to require
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About 必需
必需Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 必需
Podcast: 必需
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AI Study Notes for 必需
Quick Contrast
必要 (bìyào) - use '必需' when emphasizing something that is absolutely essential, whereas '必要' implies something that is necessary but may allow for alternatives.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '必' as representing 'must' or 'certainly,' while '需' relates to 'need.' Imagine a person who must have their essential supplies, like food and water, to survive. This visual of a survival kit helps connect the characters to their meaning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing '必需' with '需要' (xiāo yào), which also means 'to need' but with a broader and less urgent connotation. Use '必需' in formal contexts when discussing essentials or requirements, such as in academic or professional settings.
HSK Study Tips
Although '必需' is not listed in the official HSK vocabulary, it is relevant for HSK 4 learners focusing on expressing needs and requirements. Students should connect this word to related terms like '需要' and practice using it in sentences about necessities.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '必需' often extends beyond physical needs to include social and familial obligations, reflecting a holistic view of what is necessary for well-being and harmony in life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse '必需' by applying it in casual contexts where '需要' would suffice. For example, saying '我必需喝水' (I must need to drink water) should be corrected to '我需要喝水.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 必需
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Cultural Notes for 必需
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '必需' often extends beyond physical needs to include social and familial obligations, reflecting a holistic view of what is necessary for well-being and harmony in life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 必需
Yes, 必需 (bìxū) is considered a more formal term. It is commonly used in written Chinese, such as in academic or official contexts, rather than in casual conversation. Its usage can convey a sense of importance regarding what is being discussed.
必需 (bìxū) means 'necessary' or 'essential' in Chinese. It is often used to describe something that is required or indispensable in a particular context. For example, you might say '水是必需的' which means 'Water is essential.'
You can use 必需 (bìxū) in a sentence to emphasize the necessity of something. For instance, you could say '这些材料是必需的' which translates to 'These materials are necessary.' It's often used in discussions about requirements or essentials.
'必需' can be used as follows: '水是必需的' (Water is essential).'
'必需' is typically more formal and emphasizes something that is absolutely necessary compared to the more general '需要.'
'必需' is usually used for tangible essentials; for emotional needs, '需要' is more appropriate.
