文句(もんく)

もんく
noun
complaint, phrase
formalcommunication
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.
この仕事(しごと)に文句(もんく)はないが、給料(きゅうりょう)にはちょっと不満(ふまん)がある。
I have no complaints about this job, but I'm a little dissatisfied with the salary.
2. phrase, words
A particular expression or wording.
決(き)まり文句(もんく)を覚(おぼ)えると便利(べんり)だ。
It's convenient to memorize set phrases.
決(き)まり文句(もんく) = set phrase, stock phrase
あの歌(うた)の文句(もんく)がなかなか思(おも)い出(だ)せない。
I just can't remember the words to that song.
彼(かれ)の殺(ころ)し文句(もんく)に思(おも)わず笑(わら)ってしまった。
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

Related Words

Compare: 不平(ふへい) (complaint, discontent)
Compare: いちゃもん (complaint)
Compare: 章句(しょうく) (chapters and verses)
Compare: クレーム (complaint)
Compare: 恨(うら)み言(ごと) (words of resentment)
general
Added 2026.1.13 1:01 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
03500/03636_monku