Translation guide
The English verb 'complain' covers expressing dissatisfaction, making formal grievances, and describing physical ailments. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on what you are complaining about and to whom.
To voice annoyance, discontent, or unhappiness about something, often informally.
The most common and natural way to say 'complain' in everyday conversation. Literally 'say a complaint'. Used for personal gripes.
He always complains about the food.
Stop complaining all the time.
To grumble or vent frustrations, often to a sympathetic listener. Implies a more emotional, less constructive complaint.
I complained about work to my friend.
A slightly more formal or written way to say 'complain', focusing on dissatisfaction or discontent.
He complained about his salary.
To mutter complaints under one's breath; to grumble quietly. Very informal.
He's always grumbling about the weather.
To officially express dissatisfaction about a product, service, or situation, expecting a resolution.
The standard term for lodging a formal complaint. Used in customer service contexts.
I complained to the landlord about the noise.
We received a complaint from a customer.
A common loanword phrase meaning 'to file a complaint'. Often used in business or consumer contexts.
Literally 'to sue' or 'to appeal', but can mean to formally complain or bring a grievance, especially in legal or serious contexts.
To report or describe a medical symptom, ache, or discomfort.
Used in medical contexts to mean 'complain of (a symptom)'. The object is the symptom.
The patient complained of chest pain.
He complained of a headache and left early.
A more general and less formal way to say 'complain of pain'. Can be used in daily conversation.
My grandmother often complains of back pain.
The most straightforward way to say 'say that something hurts'. Very common in casual speech.
He complained of a stomachache.
文句 (monku) is a general complaint or objection. 苦情 (kujō) is a formal complaint, often to an organization. 愚痴 (guchi) is a grumble or venting, not necessarily expecting a solution.
The English verb 'complain' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using 文句を言う for a medical symptom or 訴える for a casual gripe will sound unnatural. Choose the expression based on context.
He's always complaining.
I want to complain about the service.
She complained of a sore throat.
I filed a complaint with the company about the defective product.
He complained of unfair dismissal to the court.