нуждаться vs требовать
nuzhdát'sya vs trébovat' — need vs demand/require
Register: neutral
What it really means
Нуждаться means to need or be in need of and normally takes в + prepositional. Требовать means to demand something from someone or to require something as a condition; it is more active and forceful.
Examples in natural speech
Проект нуждается в помощи.
The project needs help.
Правило требует внимания.
The rule requires attention.
Он нуждается в отдыхе.
He needs rest.
Клиент требует ответа.
The client demands an answer.
Растения нуждаются в воде.
Plants need water.
Common mistakes
Do not use требовать when you merely state a need: Проект нуждается в помощи is not a demand. Conversely, Клиент требует ответа means the client insists on one, not that the client needs an answer. Also retain в after нуждаться: нуждаться в поддержке.
Memory tip
Нуждаться holds out an empty hand for what is lacking; требовать strikes the table for what must be provided.
Frequently asked questions
Which case follows нуждаться?
Use в + prepositional: нуждаться в помощи, в деньгах, в отдыхе. This is a fixed pattern, even when the English verb is simply “need.”
Can требовать have an inanimate subject?
Yes. Работа требует времени and правило требует внимания mean that the work or rule requires those things, without any person making a demand.
How do I name the person from whom something is demanded?
Use требовать что-то от кого-то: требовать ответа от компании. The thing demanded is in the accusative, and the source follows от + genitive.
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