Aproximadamente introduces an estimate that may differ from the precise figure.

The idea

It often precedes the quantity or time: aproximadamente veinte personas, aproximadamente a las ocho.

Examples

  • El viaje dura aproximadamente dos horas.The journey takes approximately two hours.
  • La tienda está a aproximadamente un kilómetro.The shop is approximately one kilometre away.
  • Llegaron aproximadamente veinte personas.Approximately twenty people arrived.
  • Cuesta aproximadamente diez euros.It costs approximately ten euros.
  • Necesito aproximadamente una semana para terminar.I need approximately a week to finish.
  • El tren llegará aproximadamente a las ocho.The train will arrive at approximately eight.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

An estimate is not necessarily incorrect; it signals that an exact value is not being stated.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the word for an estimate: El precio no es exacto: cuesta ___ diez euros. (aproximadamente / exactamente)

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    aproximadamente

    Aproximadamente fits an estimated price; exactamente claims precision.

  2. Choose the word for estimated duration: La duración estimada es de unas dos horas: dura ___ dos horas. (aproximadamente / exactamente)

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    aproximadamente

    Aproximadamente matches an estimated duration; exactamente gives an exact duration.

  3. Choose the word for an imprecise count: No conocemos el número preciso; llegaron ___ veinte personas. (aproximadamente / exactamente)

    Show answer or example answer

    aproximadamente

    Aproximadamente fits an imprecise count; exactamente claims a precise count.

Use it today

Estimate the duration of a journey and the price of an item.