Inklingo

How to Say "grumble" in Spanish

The Spanish word forgrumbleis quejaA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2

queja

nounA2
minor, informal complaint
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.'

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.