1.
complaints and grievances; discontent
A four-character compound combining 不平 (dissatisfaction) and 不満 (discontent) to express a general state of complaint or grumbling. Emphasizes persistent, accumulated dissatisfaction rather than a single complaint.
不平不満を言っても仕方がない。
There's no point in complaining.
社員の不平不満が増えている。
Complaints among employees are increasing.
不平不満ばかり言う人とは一緒にいたくない。
I don't want to be around people who do nothing but complain.
USAGE:
不平不満 is a yojijukugo (four-character compound) that pairs two near-synonyms for emphasis. It describes chronic or accumulated dissatisfaction rather than a single, specific complaint.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不平不満を言う (to voice complaints)
- 不平不満を漏らす (to let slip one's grievances)
- 不平不満が溜まる (for grievances to pile up)
- 不平不満だらけ (full of complaints)
SIMILAR WORDS:
文句 is a more casual, everyday word for a complaint or gripe. 不平不満 is more formal and suggests deeper or more widespread discontent.