querella

lawsuit

noun keh-REH-yah Rare

Also means

quarrel

Usage Note

Querella in legal contexts is a formal criminal complaint filed by a private party — distinct from denuncia (a police report). In older or literary use it also means a bitter quarrel or grievance. Filing una querella initiates a criminal prosecution, whereas una demanda is a civil suit, a distinction learners often overlook.

Examples

"Presentó una querella contra el periodista."

Natural Translation

She filed a lawsuit against the journalist.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish False Friends That Cause Real Embarrassment

Spanish false friends like embarazada and excitado don't mean what you think. Learn the trap words, the right ones to say instead, and how to stop guessing.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Saying "I Love You" in Spanish

Te quiero vs te amo, explained: te quiero is the warm, safe everyday I love you; te amo is deeper and more romantic. A relationship-by-relationship map.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Filler Words: 15 Ways to Sound Natural

Spanish filler words like pues, o sea, and vale make you sound natural, not robotic. Learn 15 muletillas sorted by job, by region, and when not to use them.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read