Inklingo

How to Say "estimate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estimado

es-tee-MAH-doh/es.tiˈma.ðo/

nounB2general
Use 'estimado' when referring to a calculated cost or quantity, often presented as a preliminary figure before a final agreement.
A simple wooden abacus sitting next to a neat stack of gold coins.

Examples

El contratista nos envió un estimado detallado para la obra.

The contractor sent us a detailed estimate for the work.

Basado en nuestro estimado, el proyecto costará 5000 dólares.

Based on our estimate, the project will cost 5,000 dollars.

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.

presupuesto

preh-soo-PWEHS-toh/pɾe.suˈpwes.to/

nounB1general
Use 'presupuesto' when you are talking about a budget, a formal plan of expenses, or a detailed cost calculation for a specific service or project.
Three stacks of coins of different sizes next to three distinct colored piggy banks, illustrating the concept of allocating funds.

Examples

El gobierno aprobó el nuevo presupuesto nacional.

The government approved the new national budget.

Tenemos que ajustarnos al presupuesto si queremos ahorrar.

We have to stick to the budget if we want to save.

Pedimos un presupuesto al carpintero antes de empezar la obra.

We asked the carpenter for an estimate before starting the work.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', 'presupuesto' is always masculine. Remember to use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using the noun 'presupuesto' where the verb 'presuponer' is needed (e.g., *Yo presupuesto que...*).”

Correction: Use the verb 'presuponer' (to assume) or 'creer' (to believe) instead. The noun is only for financial plans or estimates.

Estimado vs. Presupuesto

Learners often confuse 'estimado' and 'presupuesto'. Remember that 'estimado' is usually a preliminary, less formal calculation of cost or quantity. 'Presupuesto' is typically a more formal and often approved budget, or a detailed quote for a project.

Related Translations

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