文句(もんく)

もんく
noun
complaint, phrase
informalcommunication
1. complaint, grumbling
An expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance.
文句(もんく)を言(い)う。
To complain.
文句(もんく)を言(い)う = to complain
文句(もんく)ばかり言(い)わないで。
Stop complaining all the time.
I have no complaints about this job, but I'm a little dissatisfied with the salary.
2. phrase, words
A particular expression or wording.
It's convenient to memorize set phrases.
決(き)まり文句(もんく) = set phrase, stock phrase
I just can't remember the words to that song.
I couldn't help but laugh at his killer line.
殺(ころ)し文句(もんく) = killer line, winning phrase

Usage: 文句(もんく) is commonly used to mean "complaint" in casual speech. It's less formal than 苦情(くじょう).

Common patterns