Inklingo

How to Say "complaint" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “complaint” is “queja” — use this for a general expression of dissatisfaction or unhappiness about something, often in an informal context.

queja🔊A2

Use this for a general expression of dissatisfaction or unhappiness about something, often in an informal context.

Learn more →
denuncia🔊B1

Use this when making an official report to authorities about a violation of rules or laws.

Learn more →
reclamaciónB1

Use this when formally complaining about a faulty product or a service that did not meet expectations.

Learn more →
reclamo🔊B1

This is commonly used in Latin America for a customer service complaint regarding a product or service issue.

Learn more →
protesta🔊B1

Use this for a public or collective expression of strong objection or disapproval, often in a political or social context.

Learn more →
lamento🔊B1

This refers to an expression of grief, sorrow, or regret, often focusing on past events or missed opportunities.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

queja

KEH-hahˈke.xa

nounA2informal
Use this for a general expression of dissatisfaction or unhappiness about something, often in an informal context.
A disgruntled young child standing with crossed arms and a prominent frown, expressing clear dissatisfaction.

Examples

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.

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).

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.'

denuncia

deh-NOON-syahdeˈnun.sja

nounB1formal
Use this when making an official report to authorities about a violation of rules or laws.
A storybook illustration showing a person standing and talking seriously to a police officer who is seated behind a desk, representing a formal report or complaint.

Examples

Pusimos una denuncia por el ruido constante de los vecinos.

We filed a complaint about the constant noise from the neighbors.

La víctima presentó una denuncia de acoso ante la policía.

The victim submitted a report of harassment to the police.

El periódico publicó una fuerte denuncia contra el fraude electoral.

The newspaper published a strong denunciation against electoral fraud.

Using the Right Verb

To say you 'file' or 'make' a formal report, Spanish speakers almost always use the verb 'poner' (to put) or 'presentar' (to present/submit), not 'hacer' (to make).

Confusing 'Denuncia' and 'Queja'

Mistake: “Usar 'queja' cuando se necesita un documento legal.”

Correction: 'Queja' is for general dissatisfaction (e.g., bad food). 'Denuncia' is for reporting a crime or violation to a formal authority.

reclamación

nounB1formal
Use this when formally complaining about a faulty product or a service that did not meet expectations.

Examples

He puesto una reclamación porque el paquete nunca llegó.

I filed a complaint because the package never arrived.

reclamo

reh-KLAH-mohreˈklamo

nounB1formal
This is commonly used in Latin America for a customer service complaint regarding a product or service issue.
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.

protesta

proh-TESS-tahproˈtesta

nounB1formal
Use this for a public or collective expression of strong objection or disapproval, often in a political or social context.
A group of diverse, stylized people walking together in a line, holding up blank, colorful signs, illustrating a public demonstration or protest.

Examples

La protesta de los estudiantes llenó las calles.

The students' protest filled the streets.

Presentamos una protesta escrita al gerente por el mal servicio.

We filed a written complaint with the manager about the poor service.

Hubo una pequeña protesta frente al ayuntamiento.

There was a small demonstration in front of the city hall.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-a,' remember that the word 'protesta' is always feminine, so you use 'la' (la protesta) or 'una' (una protesta).

lamento

la-MEN-tolaˈmento

nounB1literary/formal
This refers to an expression of grief, sorrow, or regret, often focusing on past events or missed opportunities.
A small, lonely figure sitting on a stone bench in a dimly lit, quiet setting, hunched over with their face hidden in their hands, clearly expressing deep sorrow or lamentation.

Examples

Su carta era un lamento por las oportunidades perdidas.

Her letter was a lament for lost opportunities.

Se oía el lamento del viento entre los árboles.

The moan of the wind could be heard through the trees.

Tras la derrota, solo había silencio y lamentos en el vestuario.

After the defeat, there was only silence and regrets in the locker room.

General Dissatisfaction vs. Formal Reports

Learners often confuse 'queja' with more formal terms like 'denuncia' or 'reclamación'. Remember that 'queja' is for general dissatisfaction, while 'denuncia' implies reporting a violation, and 'reclamación' or 'reclamo' are specifically for issues with products or services.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.