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subestimar

sub-es-tee-MAR/subestiˈmaɾ/

“subestimar” means “underestimate” in Spanish (to think something is smaller or less important than it actually is).

underestimate

Also: underrate
VerbB1regular ar
A tiny mouse easily lifting a massive weight while a person looks on in surprise.
gerundsubestimando
past Participlesubestimado
infinitivesubestimar

📝 In Action

No debes subestimar a tu oponente.

A2

You should not underestimate your opponent.

El arquitecto subestimó el costo de la renovación.

B1

The architect underestimated the cost of the renovation.

Mucha gente subestima la importancia del sueño.

B2

Many people underestimate the importance of sleep.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • sobreestimar (to overestimate)
  • valorar (to value/appreciate)

Common Collocations

  • subestimar el riesgo – to underestimate the risk
  • subestimar la capacidad – to underestimate the capacity/ability
  • jamás subestimar – to never underestimate

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedessubestimaran
yosubestimara
túsubestimaras
vosotrossubestimarais
nosotrossubestimáramos
él/ella/ustedsubestimara

present

ellos/ellas/ustedessubestimen
yosubestime
túsubestimes
vosotrossubestiméis
nosotrossubestimemos
él/ella/ustedsubestime

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedessubestimaron
yosubestimé
túsubestimaste
vosotrossubestimasteis
nosotrossubestimamos
él/ella/ustedsubestimó

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedessubestimaban
yosubestimaba
túsubestimabas
vosotrossubestimabais
nosotrossubestimábamos
él/ella/ustedsubestimaba

present

ellos/ellas/ustedessubestiman
yosubestimo
túsubestimas
vosotrossubestimáis
nosotrossubestimamos
él/ella/ustedsubestima
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "subestimar" in Spanish:

underestimate→underrate→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: subestimar

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the correct way to say 'I underestimate'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
estimar(to estimate/to esteem) — Verb
sobreestimar(to overestimate) — Verb
estimación(estimate/estimation) — Noun
subestimación(underestimation) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin prefix 'sub-' (under) and the verb 'aestimare' (to value or determine the price of something).

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: underestimateFrench: sous-estimerItalian: sottostimare

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'subestimar' a regular verb?

Yes, it follows the completely regular conjugation pattern for all -ar verbs.

Can I use this for money and people?

Absolutely. You can subestimar a person's skill or subestimar the price of a dinner.

Does it have a special meaning in slang?

No, it is generally used according to its literal dictionary definition across the Spanish-speaking world.