This is the 3083rd most frequent Polish word.
potrzebował
"Potrzebował" means "needed" in English.
In this sentence, 'potrzebował' is used to express the past tense action of needing something, here regarding assistance in a task.
Potrzebował pomocy, aby naprawić swój rower.
He needed help to fix his bike.
Here, 'potrzebował' demonstrates a past requirement or necessity regarding additional time, stated indirectly in reported speech.
Powiedział, że potrzebował więcej czasu na dokończenie projektu.
He said that he needed more time to finish the project.
In this instance, 'potrzebował' narrates a past recurring necessity, particularly support with tasks during childhood.