文句(もんく)を言(い)う

One of the most common expressions for complaining in Japanese. 文句(もんく) by itself can mean "complaint" or "objection," and 文句(もんく)を言(い)う is the standard verb phrase.

Common patterns

• 文句(もんく)ばかり言(い)う: to do nothing but complain
• 文句(もんく)を言(い)われる: to be complained at (passive)
• 文句(もんく)があるなら言(い)え: if you have a complaint, say it
• 文句(もんく)なし: no complaints; perfect

Similar words

• 愚痴(ぐち)を言(い)う/愚痴(ぐち)をこぼす: to grumble, to vent — more about venting without expecting change
• 不満(ふまん)を言(い)う: to express dissatisfaction — more formal
• 苦情(くじょう)を言(い)う: to make a formal complaint — stronger, more official
• ぶつぶつ言(い)う: to mutter complaints — emphasizes the manner (muttering)

Usage

文句(もんく)を言(い)う often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the complaints are excessive or unreasonable. 苦情(くじょう) is more neutral and implies a legitimate grievance.