Inklingo

How to Say "estimate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “estimate” is “presupuesto” — use 'presupuesto' when referring to a formal calculation of the costs for a specific project or service, often presented as a document.

presupuesto🔊B1

Use 'presupuesto' when referring to a formal calculation of the costs for a specific project or service, often presented as a document.

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estimaciónB1

Choose 'estimación' for a calculated guess or approximation of a quantity, value, or amount, especially when it's not a final or binding figure.

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aproximado🔊B2

Use 'aproximado' when you need a rough, approximate figure or a general idea of a cost or quantity, often in informal conversation.

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cálculoA2

Employ 'cálculo' when referring to a quick guess or prediction based on some information, emphasizing the mental process of figuring something out.

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estimado🔊B2

Use 'estimado' when referring to a calculated cost or quantity that has been officially determined, often presented as a formal document.

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proyecciónB2

Opt for 'proyección' when talking about future predictions or forecasts, especially concerning trends like sales or economic growth.

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English → Spanish

presupuesto

preh-soo-PWEHS-tohpɾe.suˈpwes.to

nounB1formal
Use 'presupuesto' when referring to a formal calculation of the costs for a specific project or service, often presented as a document.
Three stacks of coins of different sizes next to three distinct colored piggy banks, illustrating the concept of allocating funds.

Examples

El contratista nos dio un presupuesto detallado para la reforma de la cocina.

The contractor gave us a detailed estimate for the kitchen renovation.

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.

estimación

nounB1
Choose 'estimación' for a calculated guess or approximation of a quantity, value, or amount, especially when it's not a final or binding figure.

Examples

Hicimos una estimación de los gastos totales del proyecto.

We made an estimate of the total expenses for the project.

aproximado

ah-prohk-see-MAH-doha.pɾok.siˈma.ðo

nounB2informal
Use 'aproximado' when you need a rough, approximate figure or a general idea of a cost or quantity, often in informal conversation.
A hand holding a wooden stick to measure a large pile of colorful building blocks.

Examples

¿Me puedes dar un aproximado de cuánto costará el viaje?

Can you give me an estimate of how much the trip will cost?

Dame un aproximado de cuánto va a costar la reparación.

Give me an estimate of how much the repair is going to cost.

El presupuesto es solo un aproximado.

The budget is just a ballpark figure.

Using it as a noun

When used as a noun, it's almost always masculine ('el aproximado'). It acts just like the word 'estimate' does in English.

Formal vs Informal

Mistake: “El aproximado oficial de la empresa.”

Correction: La estimación oficial de la empresa.

cálculo

nounA2
Employ 'cálculo' when referring to a quick guess or prediction based on some information, emphasizing the mental process of figuring something out.

Examples

Hice un cálculo rápido y creo que llegaremos a tiempo.

I did a quick estimate and I think we'll arrive on time.

estimado

es-tee-MAH-dohes.tiˈma.ðo

nounB2formal
Use 'estimado' when referring to a calculated cost or quantity that has been officially determined, often presented as a formal document.
A simple wooden abacus sitting next to a neat stack of gold coins.

Examples

El arquitecto presentó un estimado para la construcción.

The architect presented an estimate for the construction.

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.

proyección

nounB2formal
Opt for 'proyección' when talking about future predictions or forecasts, especially concerning trends like sales or economic growth.

Examples

Las proyecciones económicas indican una mejora para el próximo año.

The economic estimates indicate an improvement for next year.

Estimación vs. Presupuesto

Learners often confuse 'estimación' and 'presupuesto'. Remember that 'presupuesto' is typically a more formal, often documented, cost breakdown for a project, while 'estimación' is a broader calculated guess or approximation of value or quantity.

Related Translations

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