估量 (gū liáng) is a formal, written verb meaning 'to estimate' or 'to gauge'—especially when judging size, quantity, value, time, effort, or difficulty without precise measurement. The first character 估 (gū) means 'to guess' or 'to estimate', and the second 量 (liáng) means 'to measure'. Together, they emphasize an approximate, thoughtful assessment rather than exact calculation. It’s commonly used in academic, professional, or reflective contexts—such as evaluating project scope, judging risks, or assessing someone’s ability.

Unlike colloquial terms like 估计 (gūjì), 估量 carries a slightly more deliberate, analytical nuance and often appears in written reports, speeches, or formal discussions. It frequently follows subjects like 我们, 专家, or 这个问题 and pairs with objects indicating scale or impact (e.g., 成本, 难度, 影响). It does not take aspect particles (了, 过, 着) as readily as 估计, and is rarely used in casual spoken Chinese.