見積もり

• Reading: みつもり
• Romaji: mitsumori
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (mi) — to see, to look; 積 (tsumori) — to pile up, to estimate
• Pronunciation: /mi.tsɯ.mo.ɾi/

Meaning

Estimate; quotation; valuation. A calculated approximation of cost, time, or quantity.

A noun derived from the verb 見積もる (to estimate). 見積もり is widely used in business to refer to a price quotation or cost estimate. Common expressions include 見積もりを出す (to give an estimate) and 見積もりを取る (to get a quote). Often written with okurigana as 見積もり rather than the kanji-only 見積.

Examples

1. リフォームの見積もりをお願いしたいのですが。 I'd like to request an estimate for a renovation.
2. 三つの会社から見積もりを取って比較した。 I got quotes from three companies and compared them.
3. 見積もりより実際の費用が高くなってしまった。 The actual cost ended up being higher than the estimate.

Usage Guide

Context: business, construction, services

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 見 (to see, to look) and 積もる (to pile up, to estimate). The combination suggests looking at accumulated quantities to form a judgment.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal