Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Estimate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "estimate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見当
けんとう (kentou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見積もり
みつもり (mitsumori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "estimate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見当 and 見積もり.
In Japanese, 見当 (けんとう (kentou)) is typically associated with "estimate, guess, aim, direction" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 大体の予測や方向を示す際に使われます。「見当がつく」や「見当をつける」という形でよく用いられます。.
On the other hand, 見積もり (みつもり (mitsumori)) maps to "estimate, quotation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Commonly used in business when requesting or providing an estimate for cost, time, or work. Can be a noun or a verb. A literal translation of "estimate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見当"
大体の見当はついているが、まだ正確ではない。
I have a rough idea, but it's not exact yet.
Bilingual Context for "見積もり"
新しい工事の見積もりをお願いします。
Please give me an estimate for the new construction.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "大体の ＿＿＿ はついているが、まだ正確ではない。" (Meaning: "I have a rough idea, but it's not exact yet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見当" fits here because it means "estimate, guess, aim, direction" in the context of: "I have a rough idea, but it's not exact yet.". "見積もり" represents "estimate, quotation".