Spanish Conversation · Level 173
15 words
Spanish word
quejar
Pronunciation
IPA/keˈxaɾ/
Meaning
- verbcomplain
Example
Los vecinos se quejaron por el ruido.
The neighbors complained about the noise.
More examples
¿Por qué siempre te quejas de todo?
Why do you always complain about everything?
Core concept
A person voicing displeasure aloud.
Common phrases
quejarse de algo
complain about something
quejarse por algo
complain because of something
quejarse ante alguien
complain to someone
Similar words
quejarse: Expresses personal displeasure aloud, often about everyday annoyances.
reclamar: Raises a complaint to seek an explanation, fix, or compensation.
protestar: Objects forcefully in public or collective settings to show dissent.
refunfuñar: Complains under the breath in a resentful, muttering way.
Definition in Spanish
Expresar verbalmente descontento o molestia, frecuentemente en forma pronominal (quejarse).
Word origin
From Latin queri 'to lament', via medieval Spanish forms and the noun queja, which yielded the modern verb quejar(se) meaning to express complaint.
Usage tips
- Often used reflexively as quejarse with de to mark what is complained about, and short set phrases like 'No te quejes' are common in conversation.