不満

• Reading: ふまん
• Romaji: fuman
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — not, un-, negative; 満 (man) — full, satisfied
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.ma.ɴ/

Meaning

Dissatisfaction; discontent; complaint. A feeling of being unhappy with something.

Functions as a noun and na-adjective (不満な). The prefix 不 negates 満足 (satisfaction). Frequently used to express complaints or displeasure about services, decisions, or situations. The expression 不満を持つ means to harbor dissatisfaction.

Examples

1. 給料に不満がある社員が多い。 Many employees are dissatisfied with their salary.
2. 彼女は不満そうな顔をしていた。 She had a displeased look on her face.
3. 不満があったら、遠慮なく言ってください。 If you have any complaints, please don't hesitate to speak up.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, daily life, social situations

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (fu, not/un-) and 満 (man, full/satisfied). Literally means not full or not satisfied — the state of lacking fulfillment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal