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How to Say "to estimate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estimar

/es-tee-MAR//estiˈmaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'estimar' when you are calculating a specific value, quantity, or duration, often in a more formal or professional context.
A person holding a wooden basket full of red apples and looking thoughtful while judging its weight.

Examples

El ingeniero estima que la construcción tardará seis meses.

The engineer estimates that the construction will take six months.

El mecánico estima que el arreglo costará doscientos euros.

The mechanic estimates that the repair will cost two hundred euros.

Te estimo mucho por todo el apoyo que me has dado.

I value you very much for all the support you have given me.

El juez estimó que las pruebas eran insuficientes.

The judge considered that the evidence was insufficient.

Using 'estimar' with People

When you say you 'estimar' a person, you mean you have high regard or affection for them. It's less romantic than 'amar' (love) and slightly more formal than 'querer'.

Estimar with Opinions

In formal settings, instead of saying 'I think,' use 'estimo que' to sound more professional when providing a judgment or calculation.

Using 'estimar' for 'love'

Mistake: “Estimo a mi novia mucho.”

Correction: Quiero mucho a mi novia (or amo). 'Estimar' is more about professional respect or a friendly 'value' rather than romantic passion.

calcular

/kal-koo-lar//kal.kuˈlaɾ/

verbB1
Choose 'calcular' when making a rough guess or general judgment about a number or quantity, often in everyday situations.
A person looking at a jar full of jellybeans and holding their chin thoughtfully.

Examples

Calculo que seremos unas diez personas para la cena.

I estimate that there will be about ten of us for dinner.

Calculo que habrá unas veinte personas en la fiesta.

I estimate that there will be about twenty people at the party.

Calculamos que el viaje durará tres horas.

We reckon the trip will take three hours.

Él calculó mal sus fuerzas y se cansó rápido.

He misjudged his strength and got tired quickly.

Using 'que'

When you want to say 'I estimate that...', always follow 'calculo' with the word 'que'.

Using it for 'thinking'

Mistake: “Calculo que eres una buena persona.”

Correction: Creo que eres una buena persona.

estimado

es-tee-MAH-doh/es.tiˈma.ðo/

verbB1
Use 'estimado' specifically as a past participle or adjective form meaning 'estimated', often when referring to a calculated value or a person who is highly regarded.
A cheerful person standing next to a long wooden plank, using their outstretched hand to roughly measure its length.

Examples

El tiempo estimado para el proyecto es de tres semanas.

The estimated time for the project is three weeks.

Estimo que el viaje durará unas cinco horas.

I estimate that the trip will last about five hours.

Estimamos mucho su trabajo y dedicación.

We highly value your work and dedication.

Easy Conjugation

Since estimar is a regular verb ending in -AR, you can use all the standard patterns you've learned for verbs like hablar or caminar.

Meaning Confusion

Mistake: “Using *estimar* when you mean *amar* (to love).”

Correction: *Estimar* means 'to value' or 'to respect highly,' not usually romantic 'love.' Use *amar* or *querer* for deep affection.

Estimating vs. Calculating

The most common mistake is using 'estimar' and 'calcular' interchangeably without considering the context. While both can mean to guess, 'estimar' leans towards a more precise calculation of value or time, whereas 'calcular' is a broader term for making a rough guess, especially of numbers.

Related Translations

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