Portuguese Phrase
Quero reclamar.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I want to complain.’ The speaker is indicating a desire to lodge a complaint about a product, service, or situation. It can be used politely or emphatically depending on tone.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to start a complaint, especially in customer‑service settings, at a store, over the phone, or in informal conversation when you’re dissatisfied with something.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queroreclamar
Quero (verbo querer)
‘Quero’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘querer’ (to want). It is used before an infinitive to express a personal desire.
Reclamar (infinitivo)
‘Reclamar’ is an infinitive verb meaning ‘to complain’ or ‘to make a complaint’. When placed after ‘querer’, it forms a simple ‘I want to …’ construction.
🗨In Conversation
Quero reclamar.
I want to complain.
Claro, pode me dizer o que aconteceu?
Sure, can you tell me what happened?
✕Common Mistakes
Quer reclamar.
‘Quer’ is the third‑person singular form; you need the first‑person ‘quero’ to say ‘I want’.
Quero reclama.
‘Reclama’ is the imperative (command) form; after ‘quero’ you must keep the infinitive ‘reclamar’.
Quero ser reclamar.
Do not use ‘ser’ for temporary states; the verb ‘querer’ already conveys desire, so adding ‘ser’ (e.g., ‘Quero ser reclamar’) is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Gostaria de fazer uma reclamação.
I would like to make a complaint.
Preciso registrar uma queixa.
I need to file a complaint.
Tenho algo a reclamar.
I have something to complain about.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it’s considered courteous to preface a complaint with a softener such as ‘Desculpe, mas…’ or ‘Com licença…’. Directly saying ‘Quero reclamar’ can sound abrupt, so adding a brief apology or explanation helps keep the interaction polite. Also, ‘reclamar’ can refer both to informal grumbling and to a formal complaint, so context matters.