Spanish Phrase
¿Qué cosas necesitamos?
Meaning
Literally, “What things do we need?” It is a direct question asking for a list of items or requirements that a group (we) must have.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are planning an activity, a trip, a project, or any situation where a group needs to decide on the necessary items. It works well in informal conversation and in classroom role‑plays.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quécosasnecesitamos?
Qué (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about the nature or identity of something; it must carry an accent.
cosas (plural noun)
A generic word for 'things' or 'items'; it agrees in number with the verb.
necesitamos (verb)
First‑person plural present of necesitar; means 'we need' and matches the plural subject.
Inverted question marks
Spanish questions are enclosed by ¿ at the beginning and ? at the end.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué cosas necesitamos para la excursión de mañana?
What things do we need for tomorrow’s hike?
Necesitamos agua, comida, una linterna y un botiquín.
We need water, food, a flashlight, and a first‑aid kit.
✕Common Mistakes
Que cosas necesitamos?
Missing the accent changes the meaning; "Que" is a conjunction, not a question word.
¿Qué cosas necesita?
Uses third‑person singular; the subject is "nosotros" (we), so the verb must be "necesitamos".
¿Qué cosa necesitamos?
Singular "cosa" does not match the plural sense of "things"; use "cosas" for multiple items.
¿Qué cosas necesitamos
Missing the closing question mark; Spanish requires both opening and closing marks.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué necesitamos?
What do we need?
¿Qué cosas hacen falta?
What things are missing?
¿Qué cosas debemos llevar?
What things should we bring?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, speakers often drop the word "cosas" and simply ask "¿Qué necesitamos?" for brevity. However, adding "cosas" adds a slight emphasis on the variety of items, which can be useful in group planning contexts. Remember to always open a question with the inverted question mark (¿).