Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aproximadamente | /apɾoɡsiˌmadaˈmente/ |
| a eso de | /a ˈeso de/ |
| aproximarse a | /apɾoɡsimaɾse a/ (from spelling rules) |
The term is used to describe something that is imprecise but close in quantity or amount. While aproximadamente is a formal adverb used to state a quantity, the verbal form aproximarse a is used to describe the physical or metaphorical action of getting close to a value, person or place.
Which one should you use?
aproximadamente is a formal adverb, whereas a eso de is used more frequently in spoken, everyday Spanish to express an approximate time or amount. Unlike the adverb, aproximarse a describes the act of approaching something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
aproximadamente is a formal way to express approximation. For more casual situations, you can use the informal phrase a eso de for numbers or time or the informal más o menos to mean 'more or less'. In very casual speech, the colloquial phrase por ahí can be used to mean 'around there' in relation to approximate quantities or locations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression a ojo de buen cubero is used to communicate an approximation without relying on concrete measurements.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾoɡsiˌmadaˈmente/
Did you know?
- The Spanish idiom a ojo de buen cubero literally means 'by the eye of a good barrel-maker'. It refers to the skill of old craftsmen who could estimate the volume of a barrel just by looking at it.
- While más o menos translates to 'more or less', it is often used as a standalone answer to the question ¿Cómo estás?, meaning 'I am doing okay' or 'so-so'.
- The adverb ending -mente is derived from the Latin word mens, meaning 'mind'. This implies that the action is performed 'with a certain mind' or 'in a certain way'.
Examples in context
- Aproximadamente cada seis horas sube la marea.The tide rises approximately every six hours.This sentence shows how to use aproximadamente with time intervals.Tatoeba #2002508 by marcelostockle, translation #2838095 by mervert1
- En total son aproximadamente diez mil dólares.The total is approximately ten thousand dollars.This sentence uses aproximadamente to specify a monetary amount.Tatoeba #2857550 by Besatnias, translation #241307 by CK
- Aproximadamente cada seis horas tenemos marea baja.We have a low tide approximately every six hours.This sentence demonstrates aproximadamente in the context of tidal cycles.Tatoeba #2002506 by marcelostockle, translation #3243818 by mervert1
- El vuelo llegará alrededor de las 10 de la noche.The flight will arrive at around 10 PM.
- La conferencia comenzará aproximadamente a las 9 de la mañana.The conference will start approximately at 9 AM.
- El proyecto estará listo cerca de finales de año.The project will be ready around the end of the year.
- La película dura más o menos dos horas.The movie lasts approximately two hours.
- Creo que hay por ahí unos veinte invitados.I think there are approximately twenty guests around.
- A ojo de buen cubero, la habitación tiene unos treinta metros cuadrados.Approximately, the room is around thirty square meters.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing their travel plans.
- LucíaEl viaje dura aproximadamente tres horas.The trip takes approximately three hours.
- AlejandroEs un tiempo razonable.That is a reasonable amount of time.
- LucíaLlegaremos aproximadamente a las cinco.We will arrive at approximately five o'clock.
- AlejandroPerfecto, te espero en la estación.Perfect, I will wait for you at the station.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “approximately” translations and entries aproximadamente, a eso de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
