quejas
/KEH-has/
complaints
The noun "quejas" refers to multiple 'complaints' or expressions of dissatisfaction.
quejas(noun)
complaints
?expressions of dissatisfaction
grievances
?formal or serious complaints
,grumbles
?informal or minor complaints
📝 In Action
El buzón de quejas está en la entrada.
A2The complaints box is at the entrance.
Recibimos muchas quejas sobre el ruido.
B1We received many complaints about the noise.
¿Tienes alguna queja específica sobre la comida?
A2Do you have any specific complaint (singular) about the food?
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Tener'
To express having a complaint, Spanish speakers usually use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo una queja' (I have a complaint).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Plural
Mistake: "Using 'queja' when meaning multiple complaints."
Correction: Remember that 'quejas' is the plural form, ending in -s, for more than one complaint.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
While 'quejas' is neutral, using 'reclamaciones' often implies a more formal process, like asking for money back.
Used in the familiar singular present tense, "quejas" (tú) means 'you complain.'
quejas(verb)
you complain
?familiar singular present tense (tú)
you are complaining
?familiar singular present tense (tú)
📝 In Action
¿Por qué te quejas tanto del frío?
B1Why do you complain so much about the cold?
Si no te quejas, nadie sabrá que hay un problema.
B2If you don't complain, nobody will know there's a problem.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
The verb 'quejar' is almost always used reflexively as 'quejarse' (to complain). This means you need the little pronoun 'te' before 'quejas': 'Te quejas' (You complain).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Pronoun
Mistake: "Saying 'Tú quejas' instead of 'Tú te quejas'."
Correction: Since 'quejarse' is reflexive, you must include the pronoun that matches the person: 'Yo me quejo,' 'Tú te quejas,' etc.
⭐ Usage Tips
Preposition 'De'
When you say what you are complaining about, use the preposition 'de' (of/about): 'Se queja del clima' (He complains about the weather).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quejas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'quejas' as the familiar verb form?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'quejas' always used in the negative sense?
Yes, 'quejas' always refers to expressions of dissatisfaction, criticism, or unhappiness. You wouldn't use it to describe positive feedback.
How is the noun 'queja' different from the verb form 'quejas'?
The noun 'queja' (singular) or 'quejas' (plural) is a thing—the actual complaint. The verb form 'quejas' is an action, meaning 'you complain' (when addressing a friend).