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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'demand' or 'need' with 需 (xū)

    Obligation & Necessity
    Wishes & Desires

    Structure

    Subject + 需 + Object

    Explanation

    The character 需 (xū) means 'to need' or 'demand.' It often appears in compound words like 需要 (to need) and 需求 (demand). On its own, it conveys the basic concept of requiring something.

    Examples

    • 这件事需慎重考虑,不能着急。

      Zhè jiàn shì xū shènzhòng kǎolǜ, bù néng zháojí.

      This matter requires careful consideration and cannot be rushed.

    • 完成这个任务所需的时间比我想的要长。

      Wánchéng zhège rènwù suǒ xū de shíjiān bǐ wǒ xiǎng de yào cháng.

      The time needed to complete this task is longer than I expected.

    • 按需分配是一个重要的经济概念。

      Àn xū fēnpèi shì yī gè zhòngyào de jīngjì gàiniàn.

      Distribution according to need is an important economic concept.