필요하다 vs 요하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 필요하다
Listen to 요하다
| 필요하다 | 요하다 |
|---|---|
pi-LYO-ha-da verb | yo-ha-da verb |
| to need; to be necessary | to require; to need |
How they differ
요하다 is a literary or formal alternative that often appears in set expressions such as 필요를 요하다 or 시간이 요하다. In everyday speech, 필요하다 is much more natural and common.
When to use each
When to use 필요하다: Use 필요하다 in ordinary conversation and neutral writing.
When to use 요하다: Use 요하다 in formal writing, fixed expressions, or more elevated style.
Side-by-side examples
- 이 문제를 해결하려면 시간이 필요하다.
(We need time to solve this problem.) - 이 문제의 해결에는 시간이 요한다.
(Solving this problem requires time.)
Register & nuance: 요하다 is formal and somewhat literary; it is uncommon in casual spoken Korean.