En 15 secondes
- Used to report a problem with a service or product.
- Direct but polite way to start a formal complaint.
- Common in restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.
Signification
This is the standard way to say 'I have a complaint' when something isn't right. Use it to start a conversation about a problem you need someone to fix.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At a hotel front desk
Tenho uma reclamação: o ar-condicionado não funciona.
I have a complaint: the air conditioning doesn't work.
In a restaurant
Desculpe, mas tenho uma reclamação sobre este prato.
Sorry, but I have a complaint about this dish.
Texting a friend who is late
Tenho uma reclamação! Você está 20 minutos atrasado.
I have a complaint! You are 20 minutes late.
Contexte culturel
Brazilians often use 'Reclame Aqui', a website that has become more powerful than many government agencies for resolving consumer issues. The 'Livro de Reclamações' exists in both physical and electronic forms. It is a legal right to access it. In Luanda, complaints in markets are often handled with high energy and negotiation, but formal businesses follow a structure similar to Portugal. Politeness is key. Starting a complaint with 'Peço desculpa' (I ask for forgiveness/excuse me) before 'Tenho uma reclamação' is very common.
The 'Queria' Trick
Always use 'Queria' instead of 'Tenho' to sound like a polite, sophisticated traveler. It opens doors faster.
Don't Shout
In Lusophone cultures, staying calm while saying 'Tenho uma reclamação' is seen as a sign of status and power. Shouting makes you lose the argument.
En 15 secondes
- Used to report a problem with a service or product.
- Direct but polite way to start a formal complaint.
- Common in restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.
What It Means
Tenho uma reclamação is your go-to phrase for expressing dissatisfaction. It is direct but clear. You are telling someone that a service or product failed your expectations. It is the verbal equivalent of raising your hand to say, 'Wait, this isn't right.'
How To Use It
Simply state it to get someone's attention. You can follow it with sobre (about) to specify the issue. For example, Tenho uma reclamação sobre o quarto. It works perfectly in shops, hotels, or over the phone. Don't be shy; it's a standard part of consumer life.
When To Use It
Use it when your food arrives cold at a restaurant. Use it when the Wi-Fi in your Airbnb stops working. It is great for formal customer service settings. You can also use it jokingly with friends. For example, if they forgot to bring your favorite snack.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for minor social awkwardness. Don't use it for serious legal disputes immediately. It might sound too aggressive for a first-time mistake by a friend. In very casual settings, it can feel a bit 'Karen-ish' if overused. Keep it for when a resolution is actually needed.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value good service. However, they often prefer a polite opening. Starting with Desculpe (Excuse me) softens the blow. There is a strong culture of 'Reclame Aqui' in Brazil. This is a famous website for public complaints. Knowing how to complain is seen as being a savvy consumer.
Common Variations
If you want to be more formal, use Gostaria de fazer uma reclamação. This means 'I would like to make a complaint.' For something very serious, try Quero registrar uma reclamação. If you are just venting, you might say Estou com um problema. These variations help you navigate different levels of frustration.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral. To make it formal, use 'Gostaria de fazer...'. To make it informal/slangy, you might use 'Vou soltar os cachorros' (I'm going to let the dogs out/unleash my anger), though that's much more aggressive.
The 'Queria' Trick
Always use 'Queria' instead of 'Tenho' to sound like a polite, sophisticated traveler. It opens doors faster.
Don't Shout
In Lusophone cultures, staying calm while saying 'Tenho uma reclamação' is seen as a sign of status and power. Shouting makes you lose the argument.
Protocolo is King
In Brazil, if you complain over the phone, always say: 'Pode me passar o número do protocolo?' It forces them to log the complaint.
Be Specific
Follow the phrase immediately with 'sobre' + the specific problem to avoid being ignored.
Exemples
6Tenho uma reclamação: o ar-condicionado não funciona.
I have a complaint: the air conditioning doesn't work.
A direct way to report a facility issue.
Desculpe, mas tenho uma reclamação sobre este prato.
Sorry, but I have a complaint about this dish.
Adding 'Desculpe' makes the complaint more polite.
Tenho uma reclamação! Você está 20 minutos atrasado.
I have a complaint! You are 20 minutes late.
Used playfully to point out a friend's habit.
Tenho uma reclamação sobre a minha fatura de internet.
I have a complaint about my internet bill.
Standard opening for customer support calls.
Tenho uma reclamação: você nunca lava a louça!
I have a complaint: you never wash the dishes!
Expressing frustration about shared responsibilities.
Tenho uma reclamação sobre a qualidade desta camisa.
I have a complaint about the quality of this shirt.
Initiating a return or exchange process.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Com licença, eu _______ uma reclamação sobre o barulho.
The subject 'Eu' (I) requires the first-person singular conjugation 'tenho'.
Which preposition is most natural here?
Tenho uma reclamação ______ atendimento da loja.
'Sobre' (about) is the standard preposition used to indicate the topic of a complaint.
Complete the dialogue politely.
Atendente: 'Pois não, como posso ajudar?' Cliente: 'Boa tarde, _________ fazer uma reclamação.'
'Queria' (Imperfect) is the most polite way to introduce a complaint in a service setting.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You are in Lisbon and the service is terrible. You want to use the official legal channel.
In Portugal, the 'Livro de Reclamações' is the official legal way to register a complaint.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs. Informal Complaints
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCom licença, eu _______ uma reclamação sobre o barulho.
The subject 'Eu' (I) requires the first-person singular conjugation 'tenho'.
Tenho uma reclamação ______ atendimento da loja.
'Sobre' (about) is the standard preposition used to indicate the topic of a complaint.
Atendente: 'Pois não, como posso ajudar?' Cliente: 'Boa tarde, _________ fazer uma reclamação.'
'Queria' (Imperfect) is the most polite way to introduce a complaint in a service setting.
Context: You are in Lisbon and the service is terrible. You want to use the official legal channel.
In Portugal, the 'Livro de Reclamações' is the official legal way to register a complaint.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a standard formal opening. It is much more polite than just complaining loudly without a structure.
Yes, but use 'Gostaria de fazer uma reclamação' to be more professional.
'Reclamação' is for consumer issues; 'queixa' is for legal or police matters.
You can say: 'Gostaria de falar com o gerente, por favor.'
Yes, 'Tenho algumas reclamações' (I have some complaints).
You can call the police (PSP or GNR). It is a serious crime for a business to refuse the book.
Absolutely. Use it as the subject line: 'Reclamação - [Your Name] - [Order Number]'.
Mostly, but it can also mean 'to claim' something that is yours by right.
Both are used, but 'sobre' is more common for the topic, and 'de' is common when referring to the source of the problem.
Use the phrase 'Isso é inadmissível' (This is inadmissible) after stating your complaint.
Expressions liées
Fazer uma queixa
synonymTo make a complaint/charge
Reclamar de barriga cheia
contrastTo complain without a good reason
Dar um pito
similarTo scold someone
Soltar os cachorros
specialized formTo lose one's temper and complain loudly
