Meaning
To formally report a wrongdoing or problem.
Cultural Background
The 'Disque Denúncia' (Dial 181 or 190) is a famous service where citizens can report crimes anonymously. It is a symbol of the fight against urban violence. The 'Portal da Queixa' is a very popular private platform where people report bad service from companies. While called 'queixa', it functions as a public denunciation of bad business practices. Reporting corruption has become a major social theme in recent years (combate à corrupção), with the government encouraging citizens to 'fazer denúncias' of bribery. In rural areas, 'fazer uma denúncia' might involve going to a local community leader (Régulo) before going to the official police.
Queixa vs Denúncia
In Brazil, use 'prestar queixa' for things that happened to YOU (stolen phone). Use 'fazer uma denúncia' for things that are wrong in general (drug dealing in the park).
False Friend
Don't use 'denunciar' to mean 'to announce' (like a product launch). That's 'anunciar'.
Meaning
To formally report a wrongdoing or problem.
Queixa vs Denúncia
In Brazil, use 'prestar queixa' for things that happened to YOU (stolen phone). Use 'fazer uma denúncia' for things that are wrong in general (drug dealing in the park).
False Friend
Don't use 'denunciar' to mean 'to announce' (like a product launch). That's 'anunciar'.
Anonymity
Always mention 'denúncia anônima' if you want to emphasize that you don't want your name involved.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence in a formal context.
O cidadão foi à delegacia para _______ uma denúncia contra o assaltante.
'Fazer uma denúncia' is the standard formal collocation.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Ela resolveu fazer uma denúncia _______ assédio moral no trabalho.
We use 'denúncia de [crime/issue]'.
Match the action to the situation.
Qual ação é apropriada para 'presenciar um crime ambiental'?
Crimes require a 'denúncia'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: 'Você viu quem quebrou a vidraça?' B: 'Vi sim. Eu vou _______ agora mesmo.'
In this context, all three options are grammatically and contextually acceptable.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Denúncia vs. Reclamação
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO cidadão foi à delegacia para _______ uma denúncia contra o assaltante.
'Fazer uma denúncia' is the standard formal collocation.
Ela resolveu fazer uma denúncia _______ assédio moral no trabalho.
We use 'denúncia de [crime/issue]'.
Qual ação é apropriada para 'presenciar um crime ambiental'?
Crimes require a 'denúncia'.
A: 'Você viu quem quebrou a vidraça?' B: 'Vi sim. Eu vou _______ agora mesmo.'
In this context, all three options are grammatically and contextually acceptable.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, 'perturbação do sossego' is a common reason for a 'denúncia' in Brazil.
Always 'fazer'. 'Dar' is used in the slang 'dar um parte', but 'fazer' is the correct standard form.
In legal terms, it refers to a landlord asking a tenant to leave without a specific reason after a contract ends. It's a specialized use.
There isn't one perfect word, but you can say 'o denunciante' or 'quem fez a denúncia'.
Yes, but 'fazer uma queixa' is more frequent for police matters involving individuals.
Related Phrases
Prestar queixa
similarTo file a police report (usually personal)
Delatar
synonymTo inform on someone
Dedurar
informalTo snitch
Bater com a língua nos dentes
idiomTo let a secret slip
Canal de ética
builds onEthics hotline
