estimados

Estimados is the plural masculine form of the adjective estimado, derived from the Latin aestimatus, meaning valued or esteemed. In contemporary Spanish, it has two principal uses: as a polite form of address in formal correspondence, and as an adjective meaning estimated or valued, depending on context. In letters and emails, it is commonly used as a salutation, as in estimados señores or estimadas señoras, signaling respect toward the recipients.

In practical usage, the salutation is typically followed by a colon in formal writing and a greeting sentence after it. For example, Estimados señores: Me dirijo a ustedes para... The choice of form depends on the audience’s gender and number; estimados can address a mixed or masculine group, while estimadas would be used for a group of women.

As an adjective, estimado can describe approximate quantities or values. Examples include costo estimado, tiempo estimado, or resultados estimados. The gender and number agree with the noun they modify: estimado/estimada/estimados/estimadas.

Etymologically, estimado traces to Latin aestimatus, from aestimare “to value, assess.” In Spanish, its dual meaning—respectful address and approximate/valued qualifier—is distinct but related through the common idea of estimation or regard.

See also: estimación, estimador, estimar, estimable. In Portuguese and Galician, estimado/estimados appear with similar meanings, though usage in greetings varies by language and regional convention.