Necessita-se que
It is required that / There is a need for
Literally: It necessitates itself that
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to express necessity or requirements.
- Always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Impersonal tone used to sound objective and professional.
Meaning
This phrase is a formal way to say 'it is required that' or 'there is a need for.' It uses an impersonal structure to state a necessity without pointing fingers at a specific person.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a formal office memo
Necessita-se que todos os funcionários assinem o documento.
It is required that all employees sign the document.
A sign at a quiet library
Necessita-se que se mantenha o silêncio nesta sala.
It is required that silence be maintained in this room.
Texting a friend (Used ironically)
Necessita-se que você pare de mandar memes e estude!
It is required that you stop sending memes and study!
Cultural Background
This expression utilizes the 'índice de indeterminação do sujeito,' a grammatical feature that reflects the Portuguese cultural tendency toward indirectness in formal settings. It is a linguistic tool used to maintain 'decora' (decorum) and professional distance, especially in legal and bureaucratic environments.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Always remember that 'que' is your signal to switch to the subjunctive mood. If you use the regular present tense, it will sound 'off' to native ears.
Don't Overdo It
Using this in a casual text message makes you sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Stick to 'Preciso que' for friends.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to express necessity or requirements.
- Always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Impersonal tone used to sound objective and professional.
What It Means
Necessita-se que is a sophisticated way to express a requirement. It uses the passive 'se' to make the statement impersonal. Think of it as saying 'It is needed' rather than 'I need.' It sounds professional and objective. It is the linguistic equivalent of wearing a crisp blazer.
How To Use It
You must follow this phrase with a verb in the subjunctive mood. This is because you are expressing a wish or a requirement, not a proven fact. For example, Necessita-se que você chegue cedo. Notice how chegue changes from the normal chega. It feels a bit like a puzzle at first. But once you master the subjunctive, you sound like a pro.
When To Use It
Use this in formal writing or professional settings. It is perfect for emails to your boss or landlord. Use it when writing official reports or public notices. It works great when you want to sound authoritative but polite. It is the 'adulting' version of asking for something. Use it when the rule is more important than the person.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends at a bar. They will think you have been replaced by a robot. Avoid it when texting your mom about dinner. It is too stiff for casual hangouts. If you are at a loud party, stick to Preciso que. Using Necessita-se que there would be like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party. Keep it for the office or official documents.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers love a bit of formal distance in official matters. Using the 'impersonal se' is a hallmark of high-level education in Brazil and Portugal. It shows you respect the hierarchy of the situation. Historically, this structure comes from a desire to sound objective and fair. It removes the 'ego' from the request. It makes the necessity feel like a universal rule rather than a personal whim.
Common Variations
You might hear É necessário que which is slightly more common. There is also Faz-se necessário que for when you want to be extra fancy. In casual speech, people just say Preciso que or Tem que. But Necessita-se que remains the king of formal notices. It is the phrase you see on signs in banks or government buildings. It commands respect without being rude.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal. It requires the subjunctive mood and is typically found in written communication rather than spoken conversation.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Always remember that 'que' is your signal to switch to the subjunctive mood. If you use the regular present tense, it will sound 'off' to native ears.
Don't Overdo It
Using this in a casual text message makes you sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Stick to 'Preciso que' for friends.
The Passive 'Se'
Brazilians use 'se' to avoid taking direct blame or sounding too aggressive. It's a polite way to say 'This needs to happen' without saying 'You need to do this'.
Examples
6Necessita-se que todos os funcionários assinem o documento.
It is required that all employees sign the document.
The 'se' makes it a general rule for everyone.
Necessita-se que se mantenha o silêncio nesta sala.
It is required that silence be maintained in this room.
Very common for public notices and signs.
Necessita-se que você pare de mandar memes e estude!
It is required that you stop sending memes and study!
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Necessita-se que o aluguel seja pago até o dia cinco.
It is required that the rent be paid by the fifth.
Provides a firm but professional boundary.
Necessita-se que haja mais confiança entre nós.
There is a need for more trust between us.
Adds a layer of gravity and seriousness to the conversation.
Necessita-se que o paciente descanse por três dias.
It is necessary that the patient rest for three days.
Sounds like an official medical recommendation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to follow the formal expression.
Necessita-se que ele ___ (fazer) o relatório hoje.
After 'Necessita-se que', you must use the present subjunctive ('faça').
Complete the sentence for a formal notice.
Necessita-se que todos ___ (estar) presentes na reunião.
'Estejam' is the subjunctive form required by this impersonal expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of Expressing Need
Talking to friends
Eu preciso que...
Everyday situations
É preciso que...
Professional emails
Necessita-se que...
Legal documents
Faz-se mister que...
Where to use Necessita-se que
Corporate Email
Requesting a report
Public Signage
Library rules
Academic Writing
Thesis requirements
Medical Advice
Patient instructions
Practice Bank
2 exercisesNecessita-se que ele ___ (fazer) o relatório hoje.
After 'Necessita-se que', you must use the present subjunctive ('faça').
Necessita-se que todos ___ (estar) presentes na reunião.
'Estejam' is the subjunctive form required by this impersonal expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'It is required that' or 'There is a need for.' It is a formal, impersonal way to state a necessity.
Yes, Eu preciso is personal ('I need'), while Necessita-se que is impersonal ('It is needed'). The latter is much more formal.
Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. In a normal text, it sounds way too stiff and robotic.
You must use the Subjunctive mood. For example: Necessita-se que ele vá (It is required that he goes).
It is used in both countries, primarily in formal writing, legal contexts, and professional environments.
The se makes the verb impersonal. It indicates that the subject is indeterminate, focusing on the action rather than the person.
You use Necessita-se de followed by a noun (e.g., Necessita-se de ajuda), but Necessita-se que must be followed by a clause with a verb.
They are very similar, but Necessita-se que feels slightly more formal and 'official' than É necessário que.
The most common mistake is using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive, like saying Necessita-se que ele faz instead of faça.
In daily life, just say É preciso que or Preciso que. Save Necessita-se que for your resume or a formal complaint.
Related Phrases
É preciso que
It is necessary that (Neutral)
Faz-se necessário que
It becomes necessary that (Very formal)
É mister que
It is essential/imperative that (Literary/Archaic)
Precisa-se de
Wanted/Needed (Common in job ads)
