Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Estimate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "estimate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見積もる
みつもる (mitsumoru)
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 見積もる and 見積もり.
In Japanese, 見積もる (みつもる (mitsumoru)) is typically associated with "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..
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.
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: "引っ越し費用を見積もってもらった。" (Meaning: "I had them estimate the moving costs.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見積もる" fits here because it means "to estimate, to quote (a price)" in the context of: "I had them estimate the moving costs.". "見積もり" represents "estimate, quotation".