小言(こごと)を言(い)う

小言(こごと) literally means "small words" and refers to petty complaints, scolding, or nagging. The expression 小言(こごと)を言(い)う describes the act of delivering such complaints, usually about minor daily matters.

The nuance is of repetitive, somewhat tiresome complaining — the speaker may be justified, but the listener finds it annoying. Often associated with parents, spouses, or bosses.

Common collocations

• 小言(こごと)が多(おお)い: to nag a lot
• 小言(こごと)を聞(き)かされる: to be subjected to nagging
• いつも小言(こごと)ばかり: always nothing but nagging

Similar words

• 叱(しか)る: to scold — more authoritative, from a position of authority, and typically about a specific incident
• 愚痴(ぐち)を言(い)う: to grumble, to complain — venting dissatisfaction, not necessarily directed at the listener's behavior
• 文句(もんく)を言(い)う: to complain — a broader term for voicing complaints, can be more forceful than 小言(こごと)