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reclamar means to claim — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 22, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

reclamar

verb • /[re-cla-MAR]/

to claim

Example:

Voy a reclamar mi equipaje.

I’m going to claim my luggage.

🧠 What does reclamar mean?

The verb 'reclamar' means to claim, demand, or request something one believes is a right or is deserved. It often implies a formal or assertive action. It can be used for claiming a prize or possession, demanding a right, or making a formal complaint about a product or service. Additionally, it can mean 'to require' or 'to demand' in the sense of needing something, such as a project demanding attention.

📚 Extra examples

  • El pasajero fue a la aerolínea para reclamar su equipaje perdido.
    The passenger went to the airline to claim his lost luggage.
  • Tienes un mes para reclamar el premio de la lotería.
    You have one month to claim the lottery prize.
  • Muchos ciudadanos reclaman una mayor seguridad en las calles.
    Many citizens demand more security in the streets.
  • El consumidor tiene derecho a reclamar si el producto está defectuoso.
    The consumer has the right to complain if the product is defective.
  • Este tipo de trabajo reclama mucha paciencia y dedicación.
    This type of work requires a lot of patience and dedication.

💡 Did You Know?

In Spain and many other Spanish-speaking countries, the 'hoja de reclamaciones' is an official complaint form that businesses are legally required to provide to customers upon request. The verb 'reclamar' is central to this process, as filling out this form is the formal way to 'reclamar' against poor service or a faulty product.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "reclamar"

Synonyms: exigir, demandar, solicitar, pedir, protestar
Opposites: renunciar a, conceder, ceder, aceptar

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to claim' in Spanish?
The Spanish verb for 'to claim' is 'reclamar'. It also carries the sense of 'to demand' or 'to complain formally', depending on the context.
How do you pronounce 'reclamar' in Spanish?
'Reclamar' is pronounced /re-kla-MAR/. The stress falls on the final syllable, 'mar'.
How do you use 'reclamar' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Si el servicio no fue satisfactorio, puede reclamar un reembolso.' This means, 'If the service was not satisfactory, you can claim a refund.'
What is the English translation of 'reclamar'?
The primary English translation of 'reclamar' is 'to claim'. It can also be translated as 'to demand', 'to protest', or 'to complain'.
Does 'reclamar' change for gender or number?
No, as a verb, 'reclamar' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated according to the subject (person and number) and the tense.
Is 'reclamar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'reclamar' is a common and important verb in everyday Spanish, particularly in formal contexts like consumer rights, legal matters, or official procedures.
Does 'reclamar' have slang or double meanings?
'Reclamar' does not typically have slang meanings. Its usage is quite direct and is generally reserved for situations involving making a claim, demand, or formal complaint.
Is 'reclamar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and use of 'reclamar' are highly consistent across Spain and Latin America. It is universally understood in the context of claiming a right, demanding action, or lodging a complaint.
How do you conjugate 'reclamar' in Spanish?
'Reclamar' is a regular -ar verb. Its present tense conjugation is: yo reclamo, tú reclamas, él/ella/usted reclama, nosotros reclamamos, vosotros reclamáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes reclaman.

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