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
見積もる
みつもる (mitsumoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "estimate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見当 and 見積もる.
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, 見積もる (みつもる (mitsumoru)) maps to "to estimate, to quote (a price)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Calculating an approximate value, cost, time, or quantity. Often used in business contexts for giving a quote.. 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 "見積もる"
引っ越し費用を見積もってもらった。
I had them estimate the moving costs.
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.". "見積もる" represents "to estimate, to quote (a price)".