Translation guide
The English word "required" is used to express that something is necessary, mandatory, or compulsory. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese, from formal requirements to everyday necessities.
A passport is required.
Expressing that something is required by rules, laws, or official procedures.
A general pattern meaning '~ is necessary/required'. Suitable for many contexts, from formal to semi-formal.
A passport is required.
Advance reservation is required.
Means 'is mandated/required by obligation'. Used for legal or official requirements.
Wearing a mask is required.
A strong expression meaning 'must do' or 'have to do'. Implies a personal or external obligation.
You are required to submit an application form.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'indispensable' or 'required'. Often used in compounds like 必須科目 (required subject).
This document is required.
Expressing that something is needed or necessary, not necessarily by rule.
The plain form of 必要です. Used in casual speech or writing.
More time is required.
A verb meaning 'to need' or 'to be required'. Often used for concrete items.
A pattern meaning 'must do' or 'it is necessary to do'. Slightly softer than なければならない.
Daily practice is required.
Expressing that someone is required to perform an action.
Standard expression for 'must do'. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Students are required to come to school every day.
A more colloquial version of なければならない. Common in spoken Japanese.
I'm required to go now.
A formal expression meaning 'is required to do'. Often used in written rules or job descriptions.
Expressing that something is a prerequisite or condition for something else.
必要 (hitsuyou) is a na-adjective meaning 'necessary' and can be used for abstract or formal requirements. いる (iru) is a verb meaning 'to need' and is more concrete and casual. Use 必要 for rules and formal situations, and いる for everyday needs.
A visa is required.
Do you need money?
English 'required' is often translated as 必要, but in some contexts a different expression is more natural. For example, 'You are required to attend' is better as 出席しなければならない rather than 出席が必要です.
You are required to attend.
Is a visa required?
Money is required.
Employees are required to work overtime.