Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing estimation involves a range of words and patterns depending on whether you are making a rough guess, a formal estimate, a personal impression, or a numerical approximation. The most common everyday word is 見積もり (estimate), but other expressions like 推定 (presumption based on evidence) and 概算 (rough calculation) are used in specific contexts.
Expressing a subjective estimate or guess, often based on intuition or limited information.
A guess or estimate, often used in the phrase 見当をつける (to make a guess). Common in everyday speech.
大体の見当をつけてください。
Please make a rough estimate.
見当がつかない。
I have no idea. / I can't even guess.
The most basic way to express a personal estimation or guess: 'I think that...'.
Conjecture or guess based on some reasoning. Slightly more formal than 見当.
それは単なる推測です。
That's just a guess.
Giving a calculated estimate, often in business or technical contexts, such as a price quote or project timeline.
A formal estimate or quote, especially for costs, budgets, or project scopes. Commonly used in business.
工事の見積もりを取ってください。
Please get an estimate for the construction work.
見積書を送ります。
I will send you a written estimate.
Rough estimate or approximate calculation, often used for initial figures before detailed calculation.
Estimating a value or fact based on data, evidence, or logical inference, often used in scientific or analytical contexts.
Estimation based on evidence or data; presumption. Used in statistics, science, and formal reasoning.
人口を推定する。
Estimate the population.
死亡推定時刻は午後３時です。
The estimated time of death is 3 p.m.
Calculation or estimation of a numerical value, often used in legal or financial contexts.
Indicating that a number or amount is approximate, not exact.
Prefix meaning 'approximately' or 'about'. Used before numbers.
約１００人が参加した。
About 100 people participated.
Suffix meaning 'approximately' or 'about'. Very common in casual speech.
１０分くらい待って。
Wait about 10 minutes.
Suffix meaning 'approximately' or 'about', slightly more formal than くらい.
１時間ほどかかります。
It will take about an hour.
Expressing an evaluation or estimation of a situation, often with a nuance of judgment.
見積もり is a calculated estimate, often for costs or time, and is common in business. 推定 is an evidence-based presumption, used in formal or scientific contexts. 見当 is a rough guess or personal impression, used in everyday conversation.
リフォームの見積もりを出してもらった。
I got an estimate for the renovation.
警察は死亡時刻を推定した。
The police estimated the time of death.
彼がどこにいるか見当もつかない。
I have no idea where he is.
The English word 'estimation' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using エスティメーション is not natural. Choose the appropriate word based on context: 見積もり for cost/time, 推定 for evidence-based, 見当 for a guess, etc.
概算でいくらですか。
Roughly how much will it cost?
損害額を算定する。
Calculate the amount of damages.