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"Estimada" is a form of "estimado", an adjective which is often translated as "dear". "Querida" is a form of "querida", a noun which is often translated as "mistress". Learn more about the difference between "estimada" and "querida" below.
estimado(
ehs
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tee
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mah
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doh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. dear
Estimado Dr. Ramos, le escribo para pedir su ayuda.Dear Dr. Ramos, I am writing to ask for your help.
a. esteemed
¿Cómo estás mi estimado amigo? Ha pasado mucho tiempo sin vernos.How are you my esteemed friend? It's been a long time since we've seen each other.
b. respected
La presidenta de la corporación es muy bien estimada por sus empleados.The president of the corporation is very well respected by her employees.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. estimate
¿Me puede dar un estimado del costo de la obra?Can you give me an estimate of the cost of the project?
la querida(
keh
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ree
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dah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (colloquial) (paramour)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
