Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that something is absolutely necessary or indispensable in Japanese. It includes common words, phrases, and patterns for emphasizing necessity, from everyday conversation to formal writing.
absolutely necessary (indispensable)
Most common equivalent
absolutely necessary (must do)
Verb pattern for obligation
To say that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.
The most common and versatile word for 'indispensable' or 'essential'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Water is absolutely necessary for life.
Means 'required' or 'mandatory'. Often used for things that are compulsory or a must-have.
Similar to なくてはならない, meaning 'indispensable' or 'essential'. Slightly more formal.
Sleep is absolutely necessary for health.
To emphasize that something must be done or is absolutely required, often in rules or instructions.
The standard pattern for 'must do' or 'have to do'. Conveys strong necessity.
To state that something is a necessary condition or prerequisite for something else.
To modify a verb or adjective to stress that something is absolutely necessary.
不可欠 means 'indispensable' in a general sense, while 必須 often implies a requirement or something mandatory. 必須 is common in contexts like required documents or must-have items.
A passport is absolutely necessary for overseas travel.
Is it absolutely necessary to attend the meeting?
Polite question form
His cooperation is absolutely necessary for this project.
この書類は必須です。
This document is absolutely necessary.
A smartphone is an absolutely necessary item in modern life.
A common phrase meaning 'cannot do without' or 'indispensable'. More conversational than 不可欠.
He is an absolutely necessary member of this team.
A dictionary is absolutely necessary for language learning.
I absolutely must finish this work by tomorrow.
A more colloquial version of なければならない. Common in spoken Japanese.
I absolutely have to go now.
Means 'there is a need to do'. Slightly less forceful than なければならない, but still indicates necessity.
We absolutely need to discuss this issue.
Experience is not an absolutely necessary condition for hiring.
A more formal phrase meaning 'essential and indispensable condition'.
Trust is an absolutely necessary condition for a good relationship.
Please bring only what is absolutely necessary.
You absolutely must not be late.
Means 'by all means' or 'no matter what'. Used when something is absolutely necessary despite difficulties.
There is a document that is absolutely necessary.
The English phrase 'absolutely necessary' is often overused in translation. In Japanese, the level of necessity is often conveyed through context or verb endings. Using 絶対に必要 every time can sound unnatural.
Sleep is absolutely necessary for good health.
Using 不可欠