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How to Say "hypothesis" in Spanish

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hipótesis

nounB2formal
Use 'hipótesis' for a formal, scientific, or logical proposal that you intend to test or investigate.

Examples

La hipótesis del científico predice un nuevo comportamiento de las partículas.

The scientist's hypothesis predicts a new behavior of the particles.

teoría

nounB1
Use 'teoría' when referring to an established, but not yet definitively proven, idea or set of ideas that explains phenomena.

Examples

La teoría de la relatividad cambió nuestra comprensión del universo.

The theory of relativity changed our understanding of the universe.

supuesto

soo-PWEHS-tohsuˈpwesto

nounB1
Use 'supuesto' for a starting point or assumption that is taken as true for the sake of argument or planning, often in a less scientific context.
A single, smooth stone pedestal standing alone on green grass, ready to support a future structure, symbolizing a foundational assumption.

Examples

Trabajamos bajo el supuesto de que el proyecto será aprobado.

We are working under the assumption that the project will be approved.

Partimos del supuesto de que todos los invitados vendrán.

We're starting from the assumption that all the guests will come.

En el supuesto de que llueva, cancelaremos el picnic.

In the event that it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

A Special Verb Form for Hypotheticals

The phrase 'en el supuesto de que' (in the event that) signals a hypothetical situation. Because it's not a fact, the verb that follows often changes into a special 'what if' form called the subjunctive. For example: 'En el supuesto de que venga...' (In the event that he comes...).

conjetura

kon-heh-TOO-rahkoŋxeˈtuɾa

nounB2informal
Use 'conjetura' for a guess or speculation based on incomplete information, lacking rigorous scientific backing.
A child looking at a large glass jar filled with colorful jellybeans, tapping their chin thoughtfully while trying to estimate the amount.

Examples

Mi conjetura es que la reunión se pospondrá.

My guess is that the meeting will be postponed.

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.

Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Assumption

Learners often confuse 'hipótesis' and 'teoría'. Remember that a 'hipótesis' is a specific, testable proposal, while a 'teoría' is a broader, more established explanation. 'Supuesto' is more about an assumption for planning, and 'conjetura' is a simple guess.

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