Translation guide
The English word 'estimate' covers both a rough calculation (noun) and the act of making one (verb). In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean a formal cost estimate, a rough guess, an appraisal, or the verb 'to estimate'. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
To refer to an approximate calculation or judgment of value, number, quantity, or extent.
The most common word for a formal or business estimate, especially for costs, budgets, or project timelines. Often used in professional contexts.
工事の見積もりを取ってください。
Please get an estimate for the construction work.
見積もり書を送ります。
I will send you the written estimate.
A rough estimate or approximate calculation, often used in technical or financial contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
概算で費用はいくらですか。
What is the rough estimate of the cost?
An estimate based on inference or deduction, often used in scientific, statistical, or investigative contexts.
警察は死亡時刻を推定しています。
The police are estimating the time of death.
A rough standard or guideline; an approximate target. Used when giving a ballpark figure or reference point.
目安として1時間くらいかかります。
As a rough estimate, it takes about an hour.
A guess or conjecture, often used in the phrase 当てにする (to count on something). Not a direct translation for 'estimate' but can imply a rough expectation.
彼の当ては外れた。
His estimate was off.
To form an approximate judgment or calculation regarding value, size, amount, etc.
The standard verb for estimating costs, time, or resources. Used in business and everyday situations.
費用を見積もってください。
Please estimate the cost.
時間を見積もるのは難しい。
It's difficult to estimate the time.
To infer or deduce an estimate, often based on evidence or data. Common in academic, scientific, or formal contexts.
人口を推定する。
To estimate the population.
To make a rough calculation. Less common in conversation; mainly used in written or technical contexts.
費用を概算してください。
Please give a rough estimate of the cost.
To estimate roughly, often by eye or intuition. Rarely used; 見積もる is preferred.
距離を目算する。
To estimate the distance by eye.
An expert assessment of value, especially for property, art, or antiques.
An official appraisal or assessment of value, often used for insurance, taxes, or loans.
家の査定を依頼した。
I requested an appraisal of the house.
Evaluation or assessment; can mean estimate of value but also broader judgment. Context-dependent.
To assess the monetary value of something.
To appraise or assess value officially.
車の下取り価格を査定してもらった。
I had the trade-in value of my car appraised.
To evaluate or assess value; broader than just monetary estimate.
不動産を評価する。
To appraise real estate.
見積もり is the go-to for business and everyday cost/time estimates. 推定 is for inferential estimates based on data (e.g., population, time of death). 概算 is a rough calculation, often used in technical writing. For most situations, 見積もり is safest.
リフォームの見積もりを取る。
Get an estimate for renovation.
年齢を推定する。
Estimate someone's age.
The loanword エスティメート is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native terms like 見積もり or 推定.
見積もりを出してもらえますか。
Can you give me an estimate?
見積もりが高すぎました。
The estimate was too high.
3日かかると見積もっています。
I estimate it will take three days.
To have an art piece appraised.