ぼやく

• Reading: ぼやく
• Romaji: boyaku
• Pronunciation: /bo.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

To grumble; to complain; to mutter grievances. Describes low-key, ongoing complaints rather than loud protests.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. Typically written in hiragana. Implies a quieter, more resigned form of complaining compared to 文句を言う. Often used when someone grumbles about daily frustrations without expecting resolution. Has a slightly humorous or sympathetic tone.

Examples

1. 父はいつも仕事の愚痴をぼやいている。 My dad is always grumbling about work.
2. 天気が悪いとぼやいても仕方がない。 There's no use complaining about the bad weather.
3. 隣の席の同僚が給料についてぼやいていた。 The coworker sitting next to me was grumbling about their pay.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, workplace, family

Tone: humorous

Origin & History

Onomatopoeic origin, evoking the murmuring sound of someone muttering complaints under their breath. Related to the image of something blurry or unclear (ぼやける), suggesting indistinct grumbling.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal