估计
to estimate; reckon; suppose
gūjì
What does 估计 mean?
估计 (gūjì) is a verb meaning to estimate, appraise, or reckon — to arrive at an approximate figure or judgment without exact information. It covers numeric estimates (估计有五百人 'I estimate there were 500 people') and appraisals of situations. What surprises English speakers is its second, very common colloquial use as a hedging adverb-like opener meaning 'I reckon / probably / my guess is': 估计他今天不来了 means 'I figure he's not coming today,' expressing a subjective hunch rather than a measured calculation.
Unlike English 'estimate,' which sounds technical, spoken 估计 is casual and everyday. It can also function as a noun ('an estimate'). Compare 预计 (yùjì), which is more formal and forward-looking, and 猜 (cāi), which is a pure guess with no reasoning behind it.
Note: Works in both writing and speech. In casual conversation it has drifted into a filler meaning 'I reckon / probably,' where it expresses a hunch rather than a real calculation.
Character breakdown
to reckon; appraise
to calculate; plan
Memory hook: 估 (reckon) + 计 (calculate) — reckon-and-calculate your way to a ballpark number.
Example sentences
估计他今天不会来了。
Gūjì tā jīntiān bú huì lái le.
I reckon he's not coming today.
spoken
你估计这件事要多长时间？
Nǐ gūjì zhè jiàn shì yào duō cháng shíjiān?
How long do you estimate this will take?
neutral
据初步估计，损失超过一百万。
Jù chūbù gūjì, sǔnshī chāoguò yìbǎi wàn.
According to preliminary estimates, the losses exceed one million.
written
我估计他快到了。
Wǒ gūjì tā kuài dào le.
My guess is he'll be here soon.
spoken
Common phrases with 估计
Synonyms
预计 is more formal and points to a projected future outcome ('projected to reach'). Use it in reports and forecasts. 估计 is broader and more colloquial, and can express a present hunch.
Don't confuse 估计 with
FAQ
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