A disgruntled young child standing with crossed arms and a prominent frown, expressing clear dissatisfaction.

queja

KEH-hah

nounfA2

complaint?expression of dissatisfaction

Also:grievance?formal or official complaint,grumble?minor, informal complaint

📝 In Action

Tengo una queja sobre la comida.

I have a complaint about the food.

El vecino presentó una queja por el ruido.

The neighbor filed a complaint about the noise.

No escuché su queja, estaba muy ocupado.

I didn't hear his complaint; I was very busy.

Sus quejas constantes me ponen de mal humor.

His constant complaints put me in a bad mood.

Word Connections

Synonyms

protesta (protest)
reclamo (claim / demand)

Antonyms

elogio (praise)
felicitación (congratulation)

Common Collocations

poner una queja – to file a complaint
presentar una queja – to submit a complaint
hoja de quejas – complaint form

💡 Grammar Points

Filing a Complaint

To say 'to file/make a complaint,' Spanish commonly uses the verb 'poner' (to put/place) or 'presentar' (to present): 'Pusimos una queja.'

Using 'About'

When specifying what the complaint is 'about,' use the preposition 'sobre': 'una queja sobre el servicio' (a complaint about the service).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Using 'queja' when you mean 'to complain.'"

Correction: Remember 'queja' is the thing (the complaint), while 'quejarse' is the action (to complain). Example: 'Voy a quejarme' (I am going to complain), not 'Voy a queja.'

⭐ Usage Tips

The Root Word

The noun 'queja' comes directly from the verb 'quejarse' (to complain), so if you know one, you know the other!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: queja

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'queja'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

quejarse(to complain (verb)) - verb

quejido(groan / moan (noun)) - noun

quejica(whiner / complaining person (noun/adjective)) - noun / adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'queja' and 'quejarse'?

'Queja' (noun) is the physical complaint itself—the statement or document you make. 'Quejarse' (verb) is the action of complaining. Think: 'the complaint' vs. 'to complain.'

Is 'queja' formal or informal?

It is a very common, neutral word. It can be used for both formal situations (like filing a report) and informal situations (like grumbling to a friend).