subestimar
/subestiˈmaɾ/
To underestimate in Spanish is subestimar.
The verb subestimar is used when you perceive someone or something as having lower value. While it focuses on miscalculating value or ability, it is a synonym of menospreciar, though menospreciar carries a stronger connotation of treating someone with contempt or disrespect.
Meaning: to perceive as having lower value (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix sub- is a direct cognate of the English prefix 'under-' or 'sub-', meaning below or under.
Which one should you use?
If you wish to be more formal, you can use infravalorar. If you intend to convey the sense of looking down on someone or treating them with disrespect, use menospreciar.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the object of subestimar is a specific person, you must use the personal 'a' (e.g., subestimar a Juan). Additionally, the past participle subestimado is used as an adjective to describe something that has been underestimated.
How do you pronounce it?
/subestiˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word subestimar is built from the Latin aestimāre, which originally referred to the act of valuing things by weight.
- The word estimar is the root of the verb, which in Spanish can mean to value someone or to express affection for them. To estimar a alguien is to hold them in high regard or to care for them deeply.
- While subestimar is a neutral calculation error, the synonym menospreciar literally breaks down into menos (less) and precio (price or value).
Examples in context
- Tom debería tener cuidado de no subestimar a Mary.Tom should be careful not to underestimate Mary.This sentence shows how to use subestimar when referring to a person.Tatoeba #1426278 by marcelostockle, translation #1028067 by CK
- Las personas tienden a subestimar sus necesidades futuras.People have a tendency to underestimate their future needs.This sentence illustrates a general tendency to subestimar certain needs.Tatoeba #2260333 by marcelostockle, translation #2280683 by megamanenm
- La antropóloga estadounidense Margaret Mead dijo una vez que uno nunca debería subestimar lo que un pequeño grupo de personas dedicadas puede lograr.The American anthropologist Margaret Mead once said that one should never underestimate what a small group of dedicated people can accomplish.This sentence uses subestimar in a quote about the power of a dedicated group.Tatoeba #547020 by Leono, translation #547011 by Dejo
- No debes subestimar las habilidades de ese estudiante.You should not underestimate that student's abilities.
- No debemos infravalorar los efectos del cambio climático.We must not underestimate the effects of climate change.
- No deberías menospreciar el esfuerzo que pone en su trabajo.You shouldn't underestimate the effort they put into their work.
- No deberías desmerecer a tu hermano, tiene mucho talento.You shouldn't underestimate your brother, he has a lot of talent.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a new coworker's abilities.
- SofíaNo deberías subestimar a la nueva ingeniera.You shouldn't underestimate the new engineer.
- AlejandroTienes razón, parece muy capaz.You're right, she seems very capable.
- SofíaElla ha resuelto problemas muy complejos.She has solved very complex problems.
- AlejandroEs mejor no subestimar su talento.It is better not to underestimate her talent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underestimate” translations and entries subestimar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries subestimar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
