Inklingo

How to Say "claim" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “claim” is “afirmación” — use this when you are stating something as true, like a declaration or assertion, even if it hasn't been proven yet..

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afirmación

nounB1
Use this when you are stating something as true, like a declaration or assertion, even if it hasn't been proven yet.

Examples

Su afirmación sobre el clima sorprendió a todos.

His statement about the weather surprised everyone.

reclamación

nounB1
Use this when you are formally asking for something back, especially money or a replacement product, due to a problem.

Examples

He puesto una reclamación porque el paquete nunca llegó.

I filed a complaint because the package never arrived.

reclamo

/reh-KLAH-moh//reˈklamo/

nounB1
Use this for a formal or legal demand, often related to services or rights, but typically less about a faulty product and more about a general grievance.
A sad customer holding a broken toy at a store counter.

Examples

He presentado un reclamo formal por el mal servicio.

I have submitted a formal complaint because of the poor service.

El libro de reclamos está disponible en la entrada.

The complaint book is available at the entrance.

Atendieron mi reclamo después de tres llamadas.

They addressed my claim after three calls.

Making 'Reclamo' Plural

To talk about more than one complaint, just add an 's' to the end: 'los reclamos'.

Reclamo vs. Reclamación

Mistake: “Using 'reclamación' for a simple spoken complaint.”

Correction: Use 'reclamo' or 'queja' for general complaints; 'reclamación' is usually for formal, written legal processes.

reivindicación

nounB2formal
Use this when asserting a right, ownership, or demanding something as a matter of entitlement, often in a social or political context.

Examples

La huelga es una reivindicación de mejores salarios.

The strike is a demand for better salaries.

Claiming vs. Complaining

Learners often confuse 'afirmación' (a statement) with 'reclamación' or 'reclamo' (a complaint or demand). Remember, 'afirmación' is about stating something as fact, while 'reclamación' and 'reclamo' involve asking for action or compensation due to an issue.

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