needn't
word · lemma: need
/ˈnidənt/
NEE-duhnt
/nˈiːd/
NEE-duhnt
Definition
A contraction of 'need not'. It is used to say that something is not necessary or not required.
Usage & Nuances
Common in British English and less common in everyday American English, where 'don't need to' is more usual. It is followed by the base verb: 'You needn't worry.' 'Needn't have + past participle' means something was done but was unnecessary: 'You needn't have bought food.'
Spanish: no tener que - no necesitarPortuguese (BR): não precisar - não ter quePortuguese (PT): não precisar - não ter deChinese (Simplified): 不必 - 没必要Chinese (Traditional): 不必 - 沒必要Hindi: ज़रूरत नहीं है कि - नहीं करना पड़ताArabic: لا حاجة إلى - ليس من الضروري أنBengali: প্রয়োজন নেই - দরকার নেইRussian: не нужно - не обязательноJapanese: ～する必要はないVietnamese: không cầnKorean: ~할 필요 없다Turkish: gerek yok - gerekli değilUrdu: ضرورت نہیںIndonesian: tidak perlu
Example Sentences
You needn't come early tomorrow.
basic
We needn't wait for him.
basic
She needn't bring any food.
basic
You needn't worry — everything's under control.
natural
You needn't have bought me coffee, but thanks.
natural
We needn't rush; the movie starts at nine.
natural