Inklingo

How to Say "to claim" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to claim” is “reclamar” — use 'reclamar' when you are asking for something that rightfully belongs to you, like lost property or a refund.

English → Spanish

reclamar

reh-klah-MAHRreklaˈmar

verbB1
Use 'reclamar' when you are asking for something that rightfully belongs to you, like lost property or a refund.
A child pointing to a lost teddy bear held by an adult, reclaiming their toy.

Examples

Fui a la oficina de correos a reclamar mi paquete perdido.

I went to the post office to claim my lost package.

He venido a reclamar mi equipaje.

I have come to claim my luggage.

Los ciudadanos reclaman justicia.

The citizens are demanding justice.

Debes reclamar la devolución de tu dinero.

You should claim a refund of your money.

Direct Objects with Reclamar

Unlike English where we often 'claim for' something, in Spanish you usually 'claim' the object directly. Example: 'Reclamo mi dinero' (I claim my money).

Using 'a' with People

If you are demanding something from a specific person, remember to use the 'personal a' if that person is the one you are calling out to. 'Reclamar a alguien'.

Reclamar vs. Reclaim

Mistake: “Using 'reclamar' to mean 'physically getting back' something like land or recycled material.”

Correction: Use 'recuperar' for getting something back. 'Reclamar' is about the verbal or legal act of asking for it.

exigir

eh-hee-HEEReksiˈxiɾ

verbB1
Use 'exigir' when you are demanding something that you believe is owed to you, often with a sense of authority or insistence.
A stern person pointing firmly at a table where they want a document placed.

Examples

El empleado exige un aumento de sueldo justo.

The employee claims (demands) a fair salary increase.

Mi jefe me exige que llegue temprano.

My boss demands that I arrive early.

Los manifestantes exigen justicia.

The protesters demand justice.

Exijo una explicación ahora mismo.

I demand an explanation right now.

The G-to-J Spelling Change

To keep the 'h' sound when the verb is followed by an 'o' or an 'a', the 'g' changes to a 'j'. For example: 'exijo' (I demand) and 'que él exija' (that he demands).

Demanding someone else do something

When you use 'exigir' to tell someone else what to do, you need to use the word 'que' followed by a special verb form. Example: 'Exijo que pares' (I demand that you stop).

Exigir vs. Demandar

Mistake: “Using 'demandar' to mean 'to demand an explanation'.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'demandar' usually means to sue someone in court. Use 'exigir' for everyday demands.

alegar

ah-leh-GARaleˈɣaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'alegar' when stating something as a fact, especially in a formal or legal context, or when defending yourself.
A person standing with one hand raised, pointing confidently at a mysterious locked wooden chest.

Examples

El acusado alega inocencia en todos los cargos.

The defendant claims innocence on all charges.

El sospechoso alega que estaba en casa a esa hora.

The suspect claims he was at home at that time.

No puedes alegar ignorancia de la ley.

You cannot claim ignorance of the law.

Alegaron falta de presupuesto para cancelar el proyecto.

They cited a lack of budget to cancel the project.

The Hard 'G' Spelling Rule

In the 'yo' past form (alegué) and throughout the subjunctive (alegue), we add a 'u' after the 'g'. This is just to make sure the 'g' still sounds like 'goat' rather than 'hot'.

Use with Reasons

When you want to say you are 'using something as an excuse,' follow 'alegar' directly with the reason: 'Alega cansancio' (He claims tiredness).

Alegar vs. Discutir

Mistake: “Usar 'alegar' para una pelea de pareja en España.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'discutir' for arguing. 'Alegar' is usually for formal reasons or legal claims.

pretender

pre-ten-DAREpɾetenˈdeɾ

verbB2
Use 'pretender' when asserting something is true, often implying that others might doubt it or that it's an attempt to deceive.
A child pointing at a large fish they caught, showing it to a skeptical friend.

Examples

No me pretendas que no viste la carta.

Don't claim that you didn't see the letter.

No pretendas que no sabías nada.

Don't claim that you didn't know anything.

Ella pretende que le paguemos el doble.

She expects us to pay her double.

Claiming and the Subjunctive

When you use 'pretender que' to mean you expect someone else to do something, the verb that follows must change its form (the 'subjunctive' form), as in 'Pretende que yo vaya' (He expects me to go).

demandar

deh-mahn-DAHRdemanˈdaɾ

verbB2
Use 'demandar' when something requires or calls for a significant amount of effort, time, or resources.
A person carrying a very large, heavy stack of colorful boxes.

Examples

Este tipo de trabajo demanda mucha paciencia.

This type of work claims (requires) a lot of patience.

Este proyecto demanda mucho tiempo y esfuerzo.

This project requires a lot of time and effort.

El mercado demanda nuevos productos tecnológicos.

The market demands new technological products.

La situación demanda una respuesta inmediata.

The situation requires an immediate response.

Abstract Subjects

In this sense, the 'thing' doing the demanding is often an abstract concept like 'the job' or 'the situation,' rather than a person.

Demand vs. Exigir

Mistake: “Saying 'demando que te vayas' (I demand that you leave).”

Correction: While understandable, 'exigir' is much more natural for personal commands: 'Exijo que te vayas'.

Claiming vs. Demanding

Learners often confuse 'reclamar' and 'exigir' with 'demandar'. Remember that 'reclamar' and 'exigir' relate to asserting a right or something owed, while 'demandar' in Spanish means 'to require' or 'to call for' something, not to ask for it legally or assert it as your own.

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