見積もり
mitsumori[mʲit͡sɨmo̞ɾʲi]
The Japanese word for an estimate is 見積もり (mitsumori).
見積もり is used in construction and business contexts to refer to an estimate or quotation. While 見積もり refers to the general concept of the estimate, if you are referring specifically to the physical or digital paperwork or the actual document itself, you should use 見積書.
Meaning: (construction and business) a document specifying how much a job will probably cost (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 見積もり means an estimate or quotation, other words express similar ideas in different ways. Use 予測 for a prediction or forecast, and 予想 for an expectation. If you are referring to speculation, use 推測.
How do you pronounce it?
mitsumori
Did you know?
- Japanese has a phrase 見積もりが甘い meaning 'the estimate is sweet', which actually means the person was too optimistic or naive about the cost or time required.
- In Japanese business culture, a 見積もり is often treated as a serious commitment rather than a loose guess, making it risky to change the price later.
- The word 見積もり contains the kanji 見 (to see) and 積もり (to pile up/accumulate). This suggests the mental imagery of 'seeing how the costs pile up' to reach a total.
Examples in context
- 見積もりはもらった？Did you get an estimate?This sentence shows how to ask if an estimate was received.Tatoeba #11983997 by small_snow, translation #13043013 by terrywallwork
- あくまでも見積もりです。It's only an estimate.This sentence emphasizes that a figure is only an estimate.Tatoeba #11983986 by small_snow, translation #7837104 by shekitten
- 見積もりは出してくれたの？Did he give you an estimate?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has provided an estimate.Tatoeba #11983996 by small_snow, translation #10830334 by AlanF_US
- 私たちの予測によると、市場は堅調な成長を続けるでしょう。Based on our estimate, the market will continue to show steady growth.
- このプロジェクトの見積もり金額はいくらですか？What is the estimated cost of this project?
- いくらくらいかかるかは大体分かるよ。I have a rough idea of about how much it will cost.
- ざっくりと計算すると、約5000円くらいになるよ。Roughly estimating, it will be around 5000 yen.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are discussing a home renovation project.
- 蓮 Renリフォームの見積もりは届いた？Rifōmu no mitsumori wa todoita?Did the estimate for the renovation arrive?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、今日届きましたよ。Hai, kyō todokimashita yo.Yes, it arrived today.
- 蓮 Ren金額はいくらぐらいかな？Kingaku wa ikura gurai kana?I wonder about how much the amount is.
- 陽葵 Himariもう少し詳しく見てみましょう。Mō sukoshi kuwashiku mite mimashō.Let's take a closer look at it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 見積もり, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
