Inklingo

How to Say "lawsuit" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lawsuit” is “demanda” — use 'demanda' when referring to the formal filing of a lawsuit or the legal action itself, often emphasizing the act of suing someone.

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demanda

deh-MAHN-dahdeˈmanda

nounB2legal
Use 'demanda' when referring to the formal filing of a lawsuit or the legal action itself, often emphasizing the act of suing someone.
A figure wearing a simple black robe sits behind a large wooden desk, observing two figures standing opposite each other. One figure is holding a rolled-up legal document, symbolizing a lawsuit.

Examples

El abogado presentó la demanda ayer por la mañana.

The lawyer filed the lawsuit yesterday morning.

Ganaron la demanda después de un largo juicio.

They won the lawsuit after a long trial.

Recibimos una demanda por incumplimiento de contrato.

We received a legal claim for breach of contract.

Key Verbs

When talking about starting a lawsuit, the most common verbs are 'presentar' (to file) or 'poner' (to put/file). For winning, use 'ganar' (to win).

juicio

HWEE-see-ohˈxwi.sjo

nounB1legal
Choose 'juicio' when you want to refer to the trial phase of a lawsuit, the actual court proceeding where the case is heard.
A large wooden judge's gavel resting on a circular wooden sound block.

Examples

El juicio comenzará el próximo lunes.

The trial will begin next Monday.

Fue llamado como testigo en el juicio.

He was called as a witness in the trial.

La empresa enfrenta un juicio por discriminación.

The company is facing a lawsuit for discrimination.

causa

kow-sahˈkawsa

nounB2legal
Use 'causa' to refer to a legal case or matter as a whole, often in a broader sense than just the filing or the trial.
A perfectly balanced set of scales, typically associated with justice, resting on a pedestal, representing a legal case.

Examples

El abogado presentó la causa ante el juez.

The lawyer presented the case before the judge.

Ganaron la causa después de muchos años.

They won the lawsuit after many years.

pleito

PLAY-tohˈplei.to

nounB1legal
Opt for 'pleito' to describe a dispute or legal battle, often implying a contentious or lengthy process of taking someone to court.
A wooden judge's gavel resting on a solid block against a clean background.

Examples

El abogado logró ganar el pleito después de dos años.

The lawyer managed to win the lawsuit after two years.

Tienen un pleito pendiente por la herencia familiar.

They have a pending legal case regarding the family inheritance.

No quiero meterme en pleitos legales.

I don't want to get involved in legal battles.

A Masculine Noun

Pleito is always masculine. You must use 'el', 'un', 'este', or 'ese' with it.

Lawsuit vs. Law

Mistake: “Estudio el pleito en la universidad.”

Correction: Estudio derecho en la universidad.

querella

keh-REH-yahkeˈɾeʝa

nounB2legal
Use 'querella' specifically when referring to a formal complaint or charge, especially in criminal law, initiating legal proceedings against someone.
A formal document with a red wax seal lying on a dark wooden table in a courtroom.

Examples

El abogado presentó una querella criminal contra la empresa.

The lawyer filed a formal criminal complaint against the company.

La querella fue admitida a trámite por el juez.

The formal complaint was accepted for processing by the judge.

Decidieron retirar la querella tras llegar a un acuerdo.

They decided to withdraw the lawsuit after reaching an agreement.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'a', it's worth remembering that 'querella' is always a feminine noun. You must use feminine adjectives with it, like 'una querella formal'.

Action Verbs with Querella

In Spanish, you don't 'make' a querella; you 'present' (presentar) or 'place' (interponer) it. Think of it as officially handing over a document to the court.

Querella vs. Queja

Mistake: “Usar 'querella' para quejarse de la comida en un restaurante.”

Correction: Use 'queja' or 'reclamación' for everyday complaints. Use 'querella' only when a judge and lawyers are involved.

Demanda vs. Juicio vs. Causa

Learners often confuse 'demanda' (the filing of the suit) with 'juicio' (the trial). Remember that 'demanda' is the initial action of suing, while 'juicio' is the court process that follows. 'Causa' is a more general term for the legal matter itself.

Related Translations

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