estimado
/es-tee-MAH-doh/
Dear
Showing respect and courtesy, as in "Dear [Name]," when starting a letter.
estimado(Adjective)
Dear
?Used as a courteous greeting in letters or emails
Esteemed
?Highly respected
📝 In Action
Estimado cliente, le escribimos para informarle de una actualización.
A1Dear client, we are writing to inform you of an update.
Estimada Sra. López, adjunto encontrará el documento solicitado.
A2Dear Mrs. López, attached you will find the requested document.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Remember to change the ending to match the person you are addressing: 'Estimado' (masculine singular), 'Estimada' (feminine singular), 'Estimados' (masculine plural/mixed group), 'Estimadas' (feminine plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Punctuation Note
In Spanish, the formal greeting is usually followed by a colon (:) rather than a comma (,). E.g., 'Estimado colega:'
When someone or something is highly "valued" or respected.
📝 In Action
Él es un miembro muy estimado de nuestra comunidad.
B1He is a very valued member of our community.
Su opinión es muy estimada en este proyecto.
B2Your opinion is highly valued in this project.
💡 Grammar Points
Past Participle as Adjective
This word is the past participle of the verb 'estimar' (to value), but here it acts as a describing word, meaning 'having been valued' or 'held in value'.
A calculated cost or quantity, often referred to as an "estimate."
📝 In Action
El contratista nos envió un estimado detallado para la obra.
B2The contractor sent us a detailed estimate for the work.
Basado en nuestro estimado, el proyecto costará 5000 dólares.
B2Based on our estimate, the project will cost 5,000 dollars.
💡 Grammar Points
Shortened Noun
In this context, 'estimado' is a shorter way of saying 'el precio estimado' (the estimated price) or 'el cálculo estimado' (the estimated calculation), making it a masculine noun.
The action of calculating or judging something roughly, meaning "to estimate."
estimado(Verb)
To estimate
?To calculate roughly
,To value
?To hold in high regard
To judge
?To form an opinion
📝 In Action
Estimo que el viaje durará unas cinco horas.
B1I estimate that the trip will last about five hours.
Estimamos mucho su trabajo y dedicación.
B1We highly value your work and dedication.
💡 Grammar Points
Easy Conjugation
Since estimar is a regular verb ending in -AR, you can use all the standard patterns you've learned for verbs like hablar or caminar.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Meaning Confusion
Mistake: "Using *estimar* when you mean *amar* (to love)."
Correction: *Estimar* means 'to value' or 'to respect highly,' not usually romantic 'love.' Use *amar* or *querer* for deep affection.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estimado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'estimado' as a noun (an estimate)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'estimado' and 'querido'?
Both mean 'dear,' but 'estimado' is much more formal and professional, used in business or official letters. 'Querido' is used for friends, family, or highly personal communication.
Can I use 'estimado' to describe an object?
Yes. When describing an object, it means 'valued' or 'precious,' like 'un tesoro estimado' (a valued treasure). It refers to the sentimental or monetary value placed upon it.