estimar
verbCEFR B2
What does “estimar” mean in English?
to estimate, to reckon
to estimate, to reckon (estimar que — form a quantified or qualified judgement based on available data)
Example sentences
Los expertos estiman que el coste total de la obra superará los veinte millones de euros.
Experts estimate that the total cost of the works will exceed twenty million euros.
Se estima que más de un millón de personas participaron en las manifestaciones de ese día.
It is estimated that more than a million people took part in that day's demonstrations.
El gobierno estima necesario revisar la legislación vigente antes de proceder con la reforma.
The government considers it necessary to review current legislation before proceeding with the reform.
How to use it
Estimar means 'to estimate' (form a quantified judgement) or 'to consider/deem' (formal). In the estimation sense: estimar que + clause (estimate that...) or estimar + noun (estimate the cost). In the evaluative sense: se estima que (it is estimated that...) — a very common passive-impersonal construction at B2. Also means 'to esteem/value someone' — but this sense is less common at B2. Don't confuse with calcular (calculate — precise, numerical) or valorar (evaluate — subjective quality assessment).
Common mistake
Se estima que (it is estimated that) always takes indicative, not subjunctive, because it expresses a stated belief, not doubt. Compare: 'no se estima que sea suficiente' (subjunctive — because negated) vs. 'se estima que es suficiente' (indicative — positive assertion).