필수 vs 필요
Korean word comparison
Listen to 필수
Listen to 필요
| 필수 | 필요 |
|---|---|
pil-SU adjective | piryo adjective |
| Something that is absolutely necessary; essential. | something needed; necessity |
How they differ
필요 means something that is needed in a general sense, while 필수 means something that is absolutely necessary and cannot be left out. 필요 can sound softer and more flexible, whereas 필수 is stronger and more absolute.
When to use each
When to use 필수: Use 필수 when you want to say that something is mandatory or essential.
When to use 필요: Use 필요 when you mean something is needed, useful, or required but not necessarily mandatory.
Side-by-side examples
- 이 회의에는 참석이 필수입니다.
(Attendance at this meeting is mandatory.) - 이 회의에는 참석이 필요합니다.
(Attendance is needed for this meeting.)
Register & nuance: 필수 is stronger and more directive, while 필요 is more neutral and commonly used in everyday speech.
- See the full Word of the Day entry for 필수
- See the Word of the Day entry for 필요
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