vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Estimado" is an adjective which is often translated as "dear", and "querido" is an adjective which is also often translated as "dear". Learn more about the difference between "estimado" and "querido" below.
estimado(
ehs
-
tee
-
mah
-
doh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
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. estimated
El diámetro estimado es de 18 centímetros.The estimated diameter is 18 centimeters.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. estimate
¿Me puede dar un estimado del costo de la obra?Can you give me an estimate of the cost of the project?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
querido(
keh
-
ree
-
doh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. dear
Este jarrón era de mi querida abuela Aída.This vase belonged to my dear granny Aida.
b. beloved
Tras el exilio, nunca regresó a su patria querida.After his exile, he never went back to his beloved country.
a. dear
Querido Manuel: te escribo esta postal en una mañana lluviosa.Dear Manuel, I'm writing you this postcard on a rainy morning.
3.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(kind) (Andes)
a. nice
Su novio es muy querido.Her boyfriend is really nice.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. dear
Sí, querida, ya saqué la basura.Yes, dear, I already took the trash out.
b. darling
¡Claro que iré, querido!Of course I'll go, darling!
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. lover
La mujer del panadero tenía un querido.The baker's wife had a lover.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.