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How to Say "grievance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

queja

KEH-hahˈke.xa

nounA2formal or official
Use 'queja' for a general, everyday complaint, whether it's formal or informal, about service, quality, or a situation.
A disgruntled young child standing with crossed arms and a prominent frown, expressing clear dissatisfaction.

Examples

Tengo una queja sobre el servicio al cliente.

I have a complaint about the customer service.

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.'

reclamación

nounB1formal
Use 'reclamación' for a more formal and official expression of dissatisfaction, typically when seeking a resolution or compensation, such as in a business or legal context.

Examples

Presenté una reclamación formal por el retraso del vuelo.

I filed a formal complaint about the flight delay.

Queja vs. Reclamación

Learners often confuse 'queja' and 'reclamación'. While 'queja' is a general complaint, 'reclamación' implies a more serious, often documented, demand for action or resolution, especially in business or official matters.

Related Translations

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