estimado
dear (formal salutation)
Intermediate Adjective Masculine
🔊
Pronunciation
/es.ti.ˈma.ðo/
💡
Cultural Note
The standard formal salutation in Spanish business and official letters and emails. It changes for gender: 'estimado' (masculine) and 'estimada' (feminine). For unknown recipients, 'estimado/a señor/a' or 'a quien corresponda' (to whom it may concern) is used. In less formal professional emails, 'hola' followed by the person's name has become acceptable in Spain.
📝 Example Sentences
Estimado señor García, le escribo para...
Dear Mr. García, I am writing to...
Estimada profesora, le agradezco su tiempo.
Dear Professor, I appreciate your time.
📊 Adjective Forms
| Gender | Form |
|---|---|
| feminine | estimada |
| masculine | estimado |
| feminine_plural | estimadas |
| masculine_plural | estimados |