In 15 Seconds
- Used to express formal dissatisfaction with a service or product.
- Direct and assertive without being inherently rude or aggressive.
- Commonly used in shops, restaurants, and with customer service agents.
Meaning
This is the direct way to say 'I want to complain' or 'I want to make a claim.' You use it when a service is bad or something is wrong.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant with cold food
Quero reclamar, minha comida está fria.
I want to complain, my food is cold.
Calling the internet provider
Quero reclamar da minha conexão de internet.
I want to complain about my internet connection.
Texting a delivery app support
Quero reclamar do pedido que veio errado.
I want to complain about the order that came wrong.
Cultural Background
The 'Livro de Reclamações' is a physical or digital book that every business must provide. Refusing to provide it is a crime. Brazilians often use 'Reclame Aqui', a website that has become more powerful than many government agencies for consumer rights. Complaining in public can be seen as more confrontational; people often prefer to resolve issues through direct, private conversation first. The concept of 'direitos do consumidor' (consumer rights) is a point of pride and is frequently discussed in the news.
Be Polite First
Starting with 'Desculpe' (Excuse me) before 'Quero reclamar' usually gets a better result.
False Friend
Remember that 'reclamar' is NOT 'to reclaim' in most modern contexts.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express formal dissatisfaction with a service or product.
- Direct and assertive without being inherently rude or aggressive.
- Commonly used in shops, restaurants, and with customer service agents.
What It Means
Quero reclamar is your go-to phrase for expressing dissatisfaction. It is direct and clear. In Portuguese, reclamar means to complain or to claim a right. It is not just whining. It is about seeking a solution for a problem. Use it when you need someone to fix a mistake.
How To Use It
Simply state Quero reclamar followed by de or sobre. For example, Quero reclamar do serviço. You can use it at the start of a conversation. It sets a serious tone immediately. It works for both spoken and written communication. Keep your voice steady and firm when saying it.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant if the food is cold. Use it at the airport if your luggage is missing. It is perfect for calling customer service about a bill. Use it when you are standing up for your rights. It shows you are a person who knows what they deserve. Don't be shy; it is a standard professional phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase with close friends over small things. It sounds too formal and confrontational for a casual hangout. If a friend is late, don't say Quero reclamar. Instead, use Poxa, você atrasou. Also, avoid it in very delicate social situations. It can sound a bit aggressive if used without a specific reason. Don't use it if you just want to vent.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value good service but hate being rude. However, the 'Consumer Defense Code' is very strong in Brazil. People are encouraged to 'reclamar' to improve services. There is even a famous website called 'Reclame Aqui'. It is a huge part of the modern consumer culture. Complaining is seen as a way to exercise citizenship.
Common Variations
If you want to be softer, say Gostaria de fazer uma reclamação. This means 'I would like to make a complaint.' For a very informal vibe, use Que saco!. If you are just grumbling, the verb is resmungar. To complain a lot, use the slang reclamar de barriga cheia. That means complaining when things are actually fine!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but assertive. In Brazil, it's very common in retail. In Portugal, it's often the precursor to asking for the official complaint book.
Be Polite First
Starting with 'Desculpe' (Excuse me) before 'Quero reclamar' usually gets a better result.
False Friend
Remember that 'reclamar' is NOT 'to reclaim' in most modern contexts.
The 'Livro' Power
In Portugal, just mentioning the 'Livro de Reclamações' often makes problems disappear instantly.
Brazilian SAC
When calling a company in Brazil, ask for the 'SAC' to start your complaint process.
Examples
6Quero reclamar, minha comida está fria.
I want to complain, my food is cold.
A direct way to get the waiter's attention to a mistake.
Quero reclamar da minha conexão de internet.
I want to complain about my internet connection.
Standard opening for a customer service call.
Quero reclamar do pedido que veio errado.
I want to complain about the order that came wrong.
Clear and concise for chat-based support.
Quero reclamar com o São Pedro sobre essa chuva!
I want to complain to Saint Peter about this rain!
A common joke in Brazil when the weather is bad.
Quero reclamar dessa demora absurda.
I want to complain about this absurd delay.
Expressing frustration in a public service setting.
Quero reclamar sobre o barulho no quarto ao lado.
I want to complain about the noise in the room next door.
Effective for written formal complaints.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
Quero reclamar ___ atraso do voo.
We use 'de' + 'o' = 'do' to complain *about* something.
Which sentence is the most polite?
How would you complain at a 5-star hotel?
The conditional 'Gostaria' and the addition of 'por favor' make it formal and polite.
Complete the dialogue.
Cliente: 'O café está frio.' Atendente: 'Sinto muito.' Cliente: '________.'
The context of cold coffee leads to a complaint.
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'Quero reclamar no Livro de Reclamações' to its location.
The 'Livro de Reclamações' is a very specific legal requirement in Portugal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuero reclamar ___ atraso do voo.
We use 'de' + 'o' = 'do' to complain *about* something.
How would you complain at a 5-star hotel?
The conditional 'Gostaria' and the addition of 'por favor' make it formal and polite.
Cliente: 'O café está frio.' Atendente: 'Sinto muito.' Cliente: '________.'
The context of cold coffee leads to a complaint.
Match 'Quero reclamar no Livro de Reclamações' to its location.
The 'Livro de Reclamações' is a very specific legal requirement in Portugal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is direct. To make it more polite, use 'Gostaria de fazer uma reclamação'.
You can, but it sounds like a joke because nobody can fix the weather.
'Reclamar' is more for services/products; 'queixar-se' is more for pain or personal feelings.
Yes, if you are complaining *about* something (e.g., reclamar do tempo).
It is a famous Brazilian website for public consumer complaints.
Say 'Quero reclamar com o gerente'.
Yes, but 'Venho por este meio reclamar' is a more formal opening.
Yes, but 'reivindicar' or 'levantar' is more common for prizes today.
The opposite is 'elogiar' (to praise) or 'agradecer' (to thank).
No, it varies by region (guttural in Rio, tapped in São Paulo, trilled in Lisbon).
Related Phrases
Fazer uma queixa
synonymTo make a complaint
Resmungar
similarTo grumble or mutter
Elogiar
contrastTo praise
Reivindicar
specialized formTo claim/demand a right
Dar um barraco
slangTo cause a scene
