Inklingo

How to Say "to demand" in Spanish

English → Spanish

exigir

/eh-hee-HEER//eksiˈxiɾ/

verbB1
Use 'exigir' when someone is firmly asking for something they believe they are entitled to, often in a power dynamic where one person has authority over another.
A stern person pointing firmly at a table where they want a document placed.

Examples

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.

reclamar

/reh-klah-MAHR//reklaˈmar/

verbB1
Use 'reclamar' when you are insisting on getting something that is rightfully yours, like lost property or a service you paid for.
A child pointing to a lost teddy bear held by an adult, reclaiming their toy.

Examples

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.

demandar

/deh-mahn-DAHR//demanˈdaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'demandar' to describe a strong need or requirement for something, often in an economic or abstract sense, rather than a personal insistence.
A person carrying a very large, heavy stack of colorful boxes.

Examples

Este proyecto demanda mucho tiempo y esfuerzo.

This project demands 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'.

Exigir vs. Reclamar

Learners often confuse 'exigir' and 'reclamar'. Remember that 'exigir' implies a forceful request based on authority or entitlement, while 'reclamar' is specifically about claiming something that is rightfully yours, like lost items.

Related Translations

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