тому нужно было

that person needed to; he/she/they had to

→ тот

phrase Uncommon #12,316

that person needed to; he/she/they had to This phrase uses the dative form тому, often meaning “to that one” or “that person,” with нужно было to express a past necessity or need. In context, it can mean “he/she/they had to” or “it was necessary for him/her/them to.”

RU: Тому нужно было уйти пораньше.

EN: He had to leave early.

Тому нужно было купить еды.

Tom needed to buy food.

Тому нужно было уйти пораньше.

Tom needed to leave early.

Тому нужно было немного наличных.

Tom needed some cash.

Тому нужно было это сделать.

Tom had to do it.

Тому нужно было изменить будущее.

Tom needed to change the future.