What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
besoin
Example
J'ai besoin d'aide pour terminer ce projet. [besoin: noun]
Example
Elle a un besoin urgent de parler à son ami. [besoin: adjective]
necessity
Example
Water is a basic necessity for survival. [necessity: noun]
Example
It is necessary to arrive on time for the meeting. [necessary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Necessity is more commonly used than besoin in everyday English language. Necessity is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while besoin is less common and primarily used in French-speaking contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between besoin and necessity?
While besoin is commonly used in informal and everyday French conversations, necessity is generally considered more formal and is commonly used in both formal and informal English contexts.
