Have need of...

People often think it is strange that the English word "need" is translated by three words in French "avoir  besoin de". However, if you think about it, it is not that strange. It is possible in English to say "I have need of a friend". This is exactly what French speakers say all the time "have need of". So now you know: "J'ai besoin d'un ami" is not such a strange thing to say :-D.