需要 (xū yào) is a verb meaning 'to need' or 'to require.' It expresses necessity — something essential for a person, action, or situation. The first character 需 (xū) originally meant 'to await' or 'to expect,' but in modern usage it carries the sense of 'necessity'; the second character 要 (yào) means 'to want' or 'to demand,' reinforcing the idea of requirement. Together, they form a compound verb that emphasizes objective or practical necessity rather than mere desire.

This word is commonly used in daily life — for expressing personal needs ('I need water'), logistical requirements ('The project needs more time'), or general necessities ('Plants need sunlight'). It can take nouns directly (e.g., 需要帮助) or be followed by a verb phrase with 的 (e.g., 需要休息一下). Unlike 想要 (to want), which reflects subjective desire, 需要 implies urgency or functional importance, often grounded in logic, health, or responsibility.