The Spanish verb estimar is related to the English words "esteem" and "estimate" — and it can have either of those meanings. The connection estimar and the English cognates have is that they are related to how someone values something. Words related to estimar carry similar meanings.
A common meaning of estimar is to esteem, value or hold in respect:
- Mi familia ya no me estima. My family still doesn't respect me.
- El candidato estima a sus electores por su debilidad, nunca por su fortaleza. The candidate respects his voters for their weakness, never for their strength.
- La gente me estima por la historia que tengo con el club. The people value me for the history I have with the club.
- Si me estimas, ayúdame. If you care about me, help me.
- Si estima su coche, es mejor que no lo estacione aquí. If you value your car, it's better that you don't park it here.
Estimar also is often used to refer to estimating:
- La Cruz Roja estimó al menos 50 mil muertes en el país. The Red Cross estimated at least 50,000 deaths in the country.
- Analistas estiman que se venderán 16.5 millones de iPad. Analysts estimate that at least 16.5 million iPads will be sold.
Estimar can also be used in a neutral manner, to indicate how someone evaluates something: Lo estimo muy difícil. I consider it to be very difficult.
As a noun, la estima frequently refers to respect or esteem:
- No le tengo mucha estima al doctor Smith. I don't have much respect for Dr. Smith.
- Conozca su nivel de autoestima mediante este sencillo test. Learn your level of self-esteem by taking this simple test.
- Maslow buscó afianzar la estima de los trabajadores. Maslow sought to strengthen worker's esteem.
Estimado and its variations for number and gender are commonly used as a salutation in correspondence, especially in business and other noncasual situations. Thus a letter that starts with "Estimados Sr. y Sra. Martínez" opens with the equivalent of "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Martinez."
La estimación or el estimativo can be used to refer to an estimate, although terms such as cálculo aproximado are more common.
The adjective equivalent of "estimated" is estimativo: Necesito una lista de precios estimativos. I need a list of estimated prices.
Another adjective form is estimable, which can be used to indicate that some or something is valuable, esteemed or worthy: Según mi estimable amigo Pablo, no es posible. According to my dear friend Pablo, it isn't possible.
