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B1 noun #3,000 mais comum 8 min de leitura

estimación

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'estimación' often. It is a big word! However, you might see it in simple forms or hear it in very formal greetings. Think of it as a way to say 'respect' or 'a guess about numbers'. For now, just remember that it can mean 'a number that is not exact' or 'liking someone in a serious way'. You will mostly use simpler words like 'número' or 'amigo', but knowing 'estimación' helps you understand formal signs or documents. For example, if you see 'Estimación de tiempo: 5 min' on a bus sign, it means the bus will arrive in about 5 minutes. It is not a perfect 5 minutes, but a close guess. In Spanish, words ending in '-ción' are usually feminine, so we say 'la estimación'. This is a good rule for A1 students to learn early on.
At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about plans and opinions. 'Estimación' becomes useful when you want to talk about how much something might cost or how long it might take, but you aren't 100% sure. Instead of saying 'No sé el precio' (I don't know the price), you can say 'Mi estimación es de veinte euros' (My estimate is twenty euros). This sounds much more advanced! You also learn that it relates to the verb 'estimar'. If you 'estimas' a person, you like them. At this level, focus on the 'calculation' meaning in shops or travel. You might hear a tour guide say 'La estimación de duración del viaje es de dos horas'. This helps you manage your expectations. Remember to use 'una' because it is a feminine noun. It is a great word to add to your 'office' or 'travel' vocabulary lists.
As a B1 learner, 'estimación' is a key vocabulary word. You are now expected to handle more professional and abstract topics. You should be able to use 'estimación' in two ways: first, for making approximate calculations in business or school (e.g., 'Hicimos una estimación de los gastos mensuales'); and second, to express formal respect (e.g., 'Siento una gran estimación por mi jefe'). At this level, you should start noticing the difference between 'estimación' and 'cálculo'. You use 'estimación' when you are working with probabilities or incomplete information. It is also the level where you start writing formal letters or emails, where 'estimación' is a perfect word to show politeness without being too emotional. Practice using it with the verb 'hacer' for numbers and 'tener' for people.
At the B2 level, you should use 'estimación' with nuance and precision. You are likely discussing complex topics like the economy, social issues, or professional projects. You should understand phrases like 'estimación al alza' (upward estimate) or 'estimación de voto' (voting intention estimate). You also begin to see its legal and statistical uses. For instance, in a debate, you might say, 'Según las últimas estimaciones de los expertos, el clima cambiará drásticamente'. Here, the word adds authority to your statement. You should also be comfortable using it in the plural ('estimaciones') and understand that it implies a methodology. You are no longer just guessing; you are providing a structured approximation. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'estima', using 'estimación' for the act of valuing and 'estima' for the state of being valued.
At the C1 level, 'estimación' is a tool for professional and academic sophistication. You use it to discuss the validity of data or the depth of interpersonal professional relationships. You understand its role in legal terminology, such as 'la estimación parcial de un recurso' (the partial granting of an appeal). You can use it in high-level business reports to describe 'proyecciones y estimaciones' (projections and estimates), showing you understand the subtle difference between looking forward (projection) and valuing current/past data (estimation). Your use of the word in social contexts is refined; you might use it to describe the 'capital social' or the 'estimación pública' of a historical figure. You also recognize the etymological roots and how they influence modern usage in both Spanish and other Romance languages, allowing for a deeper linguistic appreciation.
At the C2 level, 'estimación' is used with total mastery of its semantic range. You can employ it in philosophical discussions about 'la estimación de valores' (the appraisal of values) or in complex statistical modeling discussions. You are aware of its archaic uses in literature and can use it to strike exactly the right tone in the most formal diplomatic or legal settings. You understand the psychological implications of 'estimación' in social dynamics—how it differs from 'prestigio' or 'fama'. You can effortlessly switch between its technical mathematical meaning and its abstract moral meaning within the same sentence without confusing your audience. For a C2 speaker, 'estimación' is not just a word, but a concept that encapsulates the human drive to measure, value, and respect the world and the people within it.
Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

estimación em 30 segundos

  • Estimación means an approximate calculation, like a budget or time estimate, used when exact data is unavailable.
  • It also signifies high regard, respect, or esteem for a person, often used in formal or professional social contexts.
  • In legal terms, it refers to a court's acceptance of a claim or appeal, indicating the claim is valid.
  • Commonly paired with 'hacer' for calculations and 'tener' or 'gozar de' for expressing respect and admiration.

The Spanish word estimación is a multifaceted noun that functions as a bridge between the mathematical world of calculations and the emotional world of human relationships. At its core, it refers to the act of valuing something, whether that value is expressed in numbers, currency, or respect. In a technical or professional context, it is the process of finding an estimate or approximation—a value that is usable for some purpose even if input data may be incomplete, uncertain, or unstable. However, in a social or personal context, it shifts into the realm of 'esteem' or 'regard,' describing the favorable opinion or high value one places on another person's character or work.

Quantitative Sense
This refers to an approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something. For example, an 'estimación de costos' (cost estimate) is vital in project management. It implies a logical process based on available data rather than a wild guess.
Qualitative Sense
This describes the feeling of respect and admiration for someone. When you hold someone in 'alta estimación,' you are saying you value them deeply as a person. It is synonymous with 'aprecio' or 'estima'.
Legal/Formal Sense
In legal contexts, it can refer to the 'estimación de una demanda,' meaning the court has accepted or upheld a claim or appeal.

"Nuestra estimación inicial del proyecto era de seis meses, pero el equipo ha trabajado con tal dedicación que se ha ganado la estimación de toda la junta directiva."

— Example showing both mathematical and emotional usage.

Understanding the word requires recognizing the context. If you are in a meeting with an architect, they are likely talking about measurements. If you are at a retirement party, the speaker is likely talking about the retiree's legacy. This duality makes it a powerful word for B1 learners to master, as it appears in both business Spanish and daily conversation. It stems from the Latin 'aestimatio,' which also carried this double meaning of price and value. In modern Spanish, the word maintains a formal tone, often preferred over 'cálculo' when the speaker wants to sound more professional or precise about the uncertainty involved.

"La estimación de daños tras el huracán superó los mil millones de euros."

"Es un profesor que goza de gran estimación entre sus alumnos."

"Hacer una estimación a ojo no es suficiente para este experimento científico."

Usage in Statistics
In statistics, 'estimación' refers to the process by which one makes inferences about a population based on information obtained from a sample.
Usage in Social Etiquette
It is common in formal letters to express 'mi más alta estimación' (my highest regard) to the recipient.

Using estimación correctly depends on whether you are quantifying or qualifying. To use it effectively, you must pair it with the correct verbs and prepositions. It is most frequently used with the verbs hacer, tener, and gozar de.

1. Numerical Contexts (The 'Calculation' sense)

When you are calculating something, you 'hacer una estimación' (make an estimate). This is common in business, construction, and science. You might say, 'Estamos haciendo una estimación del tiempo necesario'. Notice that we use the preposition de to indicate what is being estimated.

  • Hacer una estimación: To perform a calculation.
  • Estimación aproximada: A rough estimate.
  • Estimación al alza/a la baja: An upward or downward estimate.

2. Social Contexts (The 'Esteem' sense)

When referring to respect, the verb changes. You 'tener estimación por alguien' (have esteem for someone) or 'gozar de estimación' (enjoy/possess the esteem of others). This is a more formal way of saying you like or respect someone.

// Correct Usage Examples:

1. "Le tengo una gran estimación a mi mentor." (I hold my mentor in high regard.)

2. "La estimación de los beneficios para el próximo trimestre es positiva." (The estimate of profits for the next quarter is positive.)

3. Prepositional Nuances

The word is almost always followed by de when it refers to a thing (estimación de costos, estimación de tiempo) and por or hacia when it refers to a person (estimación por el director, estimación hacia los colegas). Understanding this distinction is a hallmark of a B2/C1 level speaker.

Furthermore, in the field of statistics, you will encounter terms like 'estimación puntual' (point estimation) and 'estimación por intervalos' (interval estimation). While these are technical, knowing that 'estimación' is the root helps you navigate scientific texts in Spanish.

The word estimación is a staple in several specific environments. You are unlikely to hear it shouted on a football pitch, but you will certainly hear it in the following three areas:

1. The Corporate Boardroom

In any business meeting involving planning, 'estimación' is the star of the show. Project managers use it to discuss budgets, timelines, and resources. You'll hear phrases like 'Según nuestras estimaciones...' (According to our estimates...). It sounds more professional and data-driven than 'creemos que...' (we believe that...).

2. Academic and Scientific Circles

Researchers use 'estimación' when they don't have exact figures but have used a methodology to arrive at a likely number. If you listen to a podcast about climate change or economics in Spanish, you will hear it constantly: 'La estimación del aumento del nivel del mar...' or 'Una estimación del crecimiento del PIB'.

3. Formal Tributes and Literature

In speeches, especially those honoring someone's career, 'estimación' is used to describe the collective respect the person has earned. 'Es una persona de gran estimación en nuestra comunidad'. It carries a weight of dignity that the word 'cariño' (affection) lacks.

In the News 📰

"El gobierno revisa a la baja su estimación de crecimiento económico para este año debido a la inflación."

In a Letter ✉️

"Aprovecho la ocasión para enviarle un cordial saludo y expresarle mi más distinguida estimación."

You might also encounter it in legal dramas or real-life court proceedings. When a judge 'estima un recurso', they are granting or accepting a legal appeal. This is a very specific, high-level use of the word that signifies the court finds the claim valid.

Even advanced learners can stumble when using estimación. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid:

  • ✕

    Confusing 'Estimación' with 'Estima'

    While related, 'estima' is almost exclusively used for 'self-esteem' (autoestima) or general affection. You cannot say 'hacer una estima de costos'. Use 'estimación' for calculations and 'estima' or 'estimación' for respect.

  • ✕

    Using 'Estimación' for 'Guess'

    In English, 'estimate' and 'guess' are sometimes used loosely. In Spanish, 'estimación' implies a level of professional or logical basis. If you are just guessing where your keys are, use 'suposición' or 'conjetura', not 'estimación'.

  • ✕

    Incorrect Prepositions

    Avoid saying 'estimación sobre'. While sometimes understood, the standard is 'estimación de' (for objects) or 'estimación por' (for people). 'Una estimación de los gastos' is correct; 'Una estimación sobre los gastos' is less natural.

Another mistake is failing to pluralize it when discussing multiple different calculations. If you have three different sets of numbers, you have 'tres estimaciones', not 'tres estimación'. It follows standard Spanish pluralization rules (dropping the accent on the 'o' when adding 'es').

To truly master estimación, you need to know its neighbors. Spanish has several words that overlap in meaning, and choosing the right one will make you sound more like a native speaker.

Cálculo vs. Estimación

A cálculo is usually more precise. If you multiply 5 by 5, you do a 'cálculo'. If you look at a crowd and guess there are 500 people, you do an estimación. Use 'estimación' when there is a margin of error.

Aprecio vs. Estimación

Aprecio is warmer and more personal. You feel 'aprecio' for a friend. Estimación is more formal and respectful. You might have 'estimación' for a professor you don't know personally but whose work you admire.

Valoración vs. Estimación

Valoración is often used for appraisals (like the value of a house) or evaluations (like a performance review). While similar to 'estimación', 'valoración' focuses more on the final judgment or price tag assigned.

Other related words include consideración (consideration/respect), presupuesto (budget/estimate), and evaluación (evaluation). In a business setting, 'presupuesto' is often what people mean when they ask for an 'estimate' for a job (e.g., '¿Me das un presupuesto para pintar la casa?'). Using 'estimación' there would sound slightly more academic than practical.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

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Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Exemplos por nível

1

La estimación es de cinco euros.

The estimate is five euros.

Use 'la' because it is feminine.

2

Tengo estimación por mi profesor.

I have respect for my teacher.

Simple subject + verb + noun structure.

3

Es una estimación rápida.

It is a quick estimate.

Adjectives follow the noun.

4

La estimación de tiempo es corta.

The time estimate is short.

'De tiempo' specifies the type of estimate.

5

No es un número exacto, es una estimación.

It's not an exact number, it's an estimate.

Contrast between 'exacto' and 'estimación'.

6

Hago una estimación de la comida.

I make an estimate of the food.

Verb 'hacer' is used for the action.

7

Su estimación es buena.

His/her estimate is good.

Possessive adjective 'su'.

8

¿Cuál es tu estimación?

What is your estimate?

Interrogative 'cuál' for choices.

1

Necesitamos una estimación de los gastos del viaje.

We need an estimate of the travel expenses.

Plural 'gastos' with 'de los'.

2

El guía dio una estimación de dos horas.

The guide gave an estimate of two hours.

Past tense 'dio' (dar).

3

Siento mucha estimación por mis abuelos.

I feel a lot of respect for my grandparents.

Verb 'sentir' for feelings.

4

La estimación de la casa es muy alta.

The estimate of the house is very high.

Refers to the value/price.

5

Hicimos una estimación antes de comprar.

We made an estimate before buying.

Preposition 'antes de' + infinitive.

6

No tengo una estimación clara todavía.

I don't have a clear estimate yet.

Adjective 'clara' matches 'estimación'.

7

La estimación del clima dice que lloverá.

The weather estimate says it will rain.

Future tense 'lloverá'.

8

Es una persona de gran estimación en el pueblo.

He/she is a person of great regard in the town.

Phrase 'de gran estimación'.

1

La estimación de costos superó el presupuesto inicial.

The cost estimate exceeded the initial budget.

Verb 'superar' (to exceed).

2

Le tengo una alta estimación profesional a mi colega.

I hold my colleague in high professional regard.

Adjective 'alta' modifies 'estimación'.

3

Hacer una estimación precisa requiere muchos datos.

Making a precise estimate requires a lot of data.

Infinitive as a subject.

4

Según mi estimación, llegaremos tarde a la reunión.

According to my estimate, we will arrive late to the meeting.

Phrase 'según mi estimación'.

5

La estimación de daños tras el incendio fue difícil.

The damage estimate after the fire was difficult.

Noun 'daños' (damages).

6

Gozar de la estimación de los demás es importante.

Enjoying the esteem of others is important.

Phrase 'gozar de'.

7

La estimación de ventas para este mes es positiva.

The sales estimate for this month is positive.

Prepositional phrase 'para este mes'.

8

No confíes solo en una estimación a ojo.

Don't rely only on a rule-of-thumb estimate.

Idiom 'a ojo' (by eye/roughly).

1

La estimación de voto sugiere un cambio de gobierno.

The voting estimate suggests a change of government.

Political context.

2

Es necesario realizar una estimación del impacto ambiental.

It is necessary to carry out an environmental impact assessment.

Formal verb 'realizar'.

3

Su estimación por la literatura clásica es evidente.

His/her regard for classical literature is evident.

Preposition 'por' for the object of esteem.

4

Las estimaciones oficiales difieren de las privadas.

Official estimates differ from private ones.

Verb 'diferir de'.

5

La estimación puntual no siempre es la más fiable.

Point estimation is not always the most reliable.

Technical statistical term.

6

El proyecto fue aprobado tras una estimación de riesgos.

The project was approved after a risk assessment.

Compound noun 'estimación de riesgos'.

7

Mantenemos una estimación conservadora sobre los beneficios.

We maintain a conservative estimate regarding profits.

Adjective 'conservadora'.

8

La estimación de la demanda es clave para la producción.

Estimating demand is key for production.

Business terminology.

1

La estimación de los parámetros requiere un análisis estadístico riguroso.

The estimation of parameters requires rigorous statistical analysis.

Scientific register.

2

La sentencia supuso la estimación íntegra de la demanda.

The ruling meant the full granting of the claim.

Legal terminology.

3

Su falta de estimación propia le impide progresar.

His/her lack of self-esteem prevents him/her from progressing.

Synonym for 'autoestima'.

4

Se ha ganado la estimación unánime de la comunidad científica.

He/she has earned the unanimous esteem of the scientific community.

Adjective 'unánime'.

5

La estimación subjetiva del dolor es difícil de medir.

The subjective estimation of pain is hard to measure.

Abstract concept.

6

Las estimaciones de crecimiento se han revisado a la baja.

Growth estimates have been revised downwards.

Passive voice 'se han revisado'.

7

Existe una gran estimación mutua entre ambos escritores.

There is great mutual esteem between both writers.

Adjective 'mutua'.

8

La estimación de la antigüedad del hallazgo fue de mil años.

The estimate of the find's age was a thousand years.

Historical context.

1

La estimación de la cuantía indemnizatoria quedó al arbitrio del juez.

The estimation of the compensation amount was left to the judge's discretion.

Highly formal legal phrasing.

2

Su obra goza de una estimación crítica sin precedentes.

His/her work enjoys unprecedented critical acclaim.

Collocation 'estimación crítica'.

3

La estimación por intervalos proporciona un margen de confianza.

Interval estimation provides a confidence margin.

Advanced statistics.

4

La baja estimación social de ciertos oficios es preocupante.

The low social regard for certain trades is worrying.

Sociological context.

5

Procedieron a la estimación de las pérdidas patrimoniales.

They proceeded to the appraisal of the assets' losses.

Formal verb 'proceder a'.

6

La estimación de la veracidad del testimonio fue clave.

The assessment of the testimony's veracity was key.

Abstract noun 'veracidad'.

7

No es óbice para la estimación del recurso la falta de firma.

The lack of a signature is no obstacle to the appeal's acceptance.

Archaic/Formal 'no es óbice'.

8

La estimación de la belleza es, por definición, subjetiva.

The appraisal of beauty is, by definition, subjective.

Philosophical register.

Colocações comuns

Hacer una estimación
Estimación de costos
Alta estimación
Estimación aproximada
Gozar de estimación
Estimación de voto
Estimación de riesgos
Baja estimación
Estimación puntual
Estimación de daños

Frases Comuns

Según mis estimaciones

Tener en gran estimación

Una estimación al alza

Una estimación a la baja

Hacer una estimación a ojo

Estimación de tiempo

Ganarse la estimación

Perder la estimación

Estimación de beneficios

Bajo mi estimación

Frequentemente confundido com

estimación vs Estima

estimación vs Estimulación

estimación vs Estación

Expressões idiomáticas

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Fácil de confundir

estimación vs Estima

Used for self-esteem or general affection, not for numbers.

estimación vs Valoración

More focused on the final price or grade assigned.

estimación vs Cálculo

Implies more mathematical precision.

estimación vs Presupuesto

Specifically a financial estimate for a job.

estimación vs Aprecio

More emotional and less formal than 'estimación'.

Padrões de frases

Como usar

nuance

It is less precise than 'cálculo'.

formality

Highly formal in social contexts.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'el estimación' (it's feminine).
  • Using 'estimación' for a random guess with no basis.
  • Saying 'estimación sobre' instead of 'estimación de'.
  • Keeping the accent in the plural form 'estimaciónes'.
  • Using 'estimación' to mean 'stimulation' (estimulación).

Dicas

Expand your synonyms

Instead of always saying 'creo que el precio es...', try 'mi estimación del precio es...'. It sounds more professional and precise.

Watch the plural

Remember: estimación (singular with accent) -> estimaciones (plural without accent). This is a common rule for words ending in -ción.

Formal respect

Use 'estimación' when talking about a boss or a mentor. It shows you respect their professional standing, not just their personality.

Project Management

In meetings, use 'estimación de riesgos' to discuss potential problems. It shows you are thinking ahead and being thorough.

Email Closings

In very formal letters, 'Con mi mayor estimación' is a classic and safe way to close a message to someone important.

Hedging

Use 'Es solo una estimación' when you don't want to be held responsible if a number is slightly wrong later on.

Research

When writing papers, use 'estimación' to describe how you arrived at your data points if they aren't absolute facts.

Regional Pronunciation

Practice the 's' sound for 'ción' if you are traveling to Mexico or Argentina, and the 'th' sound for Spain.

News Context

When you hear 'estimación' on the news, look for words like 'PIB', 'inflación', or 'desempleo' nearby.

The 'Value' Connection

Connect 'estimación' to 'esteem' (respect) and 'estimate' (numbers) in English to remember both meanings easily.

Memorize

Origem da palavra

Latin 'aestimatio'

Contexto cultural

Used frequently in formal administrative and legal documents.

Often used in formal speeches and letters of recommendation.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Cuál es tu estimación del tiempo que tardaremos?"

"¿Qué estimación tienes de este nuevo proyecto?"

"¿Crees que la estimación de costos es realista?"

"Él goza de mucha estimación aquí, ¿verdad?"

"¿Cómo haces una estimación de riesgos?"

Temas para diário

Describe a una persona por la que tengas una gran estimación.

Haz una estimación de tus metas para el próximo año.

¿Por qué es importante la estimación de riesgos en la vida?

Escribe sobre una vez que tu estimación de tiempo falló.

¿Cómo se gana la estimación de los demás en tu cultura?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

La estima se refiere al afecto o valoración personal, mientras que la estimación puede ser tanto ese afecto como un cálculo numérico aproximado. Nunca uses 'estima' para matemáticas.

Es un sustantivo femenino. Siempre se dice 'la estimación' o 'una estimación'.

Se dice 'estimación de costos' o 'presupuesto', dependiendo del contexto profesional.

Sí, para expresar respeto y admiración. Por ejemplo: 'Le tengo mucha estimación'.

El plural es 'estimaciones'. Nota que pierde la tilde en la 'o'.

Es muy común en contextos formales, profesionales, académicos y periodísticos.

Es el cálculo aproximado de cuántos votos recibirá un partido político en una elección.

Sí, es una forma correcta y elegante de expresar una opinión basada en datos o lógica.

No exactamente. La evaluación implica juzgar el rendimiento, mientras que la estimación es calcular un valor o sentir respeto.

Se usa cuando haces un cálculo muy rápido y sin herramientas, basándote solo en lo que ves.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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