Estimado profesor
/estimado pɾofesoɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dear professor" is translated into Spanish as Estimado profesor.
Estimado profesor is a formal greeting used at the beginning of a letter or email to a professor. In formal Spanish correspondence, it is standard to follow the greeting with a colon (:) rather than a comma (,).
Which one should you use?
While Querido profesor also translates to "dear professor", it is much more personal and informal and is generally inappropriate for a student-to-professor relationship. For a higher level of respect, you may also use Respetado/a Profesor/a, which means "Respected Professor".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change to the feminine form Estimada profesora if the professor is female. The phrase becomes plural as Estimados profesores when addressing more than one professor.
How do you pronounce it?
/estimado pɾofesoɾ/
Did you know?
- While querido is a literal translation of 'dear', using it in a student-to-professor email can be misinterpreted as flirting or an inappropriate breach of professional boundaries.
- In some Spanish-speaking academic cultures, estimado is too casual for high-ranking officials like deans or rectors, who are instead addressed as excelentísimo.
- The term estimado is more closely related to the English word 'estimate' than to the English word 'dear', as both stem from the Latin concept of valuing or appraising something.
Examples in context
- Estimado profesor, le escribo para pedirle una cita.Dear professor, I am writing to ask you for an appointment.
- Estimado profesor, adjunto envío mi ensayo final.Dear professor, I am attaching my final essay.
- Estimado profesor, gracias por su ayuda en clase.Dear professor, thank you for your help in class.
Example conversation
Javier asks Maria for help with a formal email.
- JavierCómo empiezo este correo? ¿Pongo "Estimado profesor"?How do I start this email? Do I put "Dear professor"?
- MaríaSí, Javier, esa es la forma más correcta.Yes, Javier, that is the most correct way.
- JavierPerfecto, escribiré "Estimado profesor" ahora mismo.Perfect, I will write "Dear professor" right now.
- MaríaMuy bien, así sonarás muy profesional.Very good, that way you will sound very professional.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estimado, profesor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
