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How to Say "conjecture" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conjetura

/kon-heh-TOO-rah//koŋxeˈtuɾa/

nounB2formal
Use 'conjetura' for a formal guess or hypothesis, often when there's a lack of concrete evidence but a reasoned opinion is being expressed.
A child looking at a large glass jar filled with colorful jellybeans, tapping their chin thoughtfully while trying to estimate the amount.

Examples

No tengo pruebas, es solo una conjetura.

I don't have proof, it's just a guess.

Su teoría se basa en puras conjeturas.

His theory is based on pure speculation.

Las conjeturas sobre el fin del mundo son muy comunes.

Speculations about the end of the world are very common.

Always Feminine

Even though it sounds quite formal, it follows the standard pattern for words ending in '-a' and is always feminine (la conjetura).

Using it with 'Ser'

When you want to say something is 'just a guess,' you usually say 'es una conjetura' or 'son conjeturas' in the plural.

Noun vs. Verb

Mistake:Yo conjetura que él vendrá.

Correction: Yo conjeturo que él vendrá (or 'Mi conjetura es que...'). 'Conjetura' is the name of the thing; use the verb 'conjeturar' for the action.

especulación

nounB2
Choose 'especulación' when referring to theories or opinions built on incomplete or uncertain information, often used in contexts like media reports or business.

Examples

No es verdad, es solo una especulación de la prensa.

It's not true; it's just speculation by the press.

teoría

nounB1
Use 'teoría' for a simpler, more basic idea or guess, often a starting point for explanation or discussion.

Examples

La nueva teoría del profesor explica los agujeros negros.

The professor's new theory explains black holes.

Conjetura vs. Teoría

Learners often confuse 'conjetura' and 'teoría'. Remember that 'conjetura' implies a more formal, reasoned guess based on some evidence, while 'teoría' can be a simpler, less substantiated idea or hypothesis.

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