文句

• Reading: もんく
• Romaji: monku
• Kanji breakdown: 文 (mon/bun) — writing, sentence, text; 句 (ku) — phrase, clause
• Pronunciation: /mo.n.kɯ/

Meaning

Complaint; grumbling; objection. Words of dissatisfaction directed at someone or something.

Primarily a noun. Most commonly used in the pattern 文句を言う (to complain). Can also mean a phrase or wording (its original meaning). The expression 文句なし means flawless or beyond complaint. Commonly heard in everyday situations when someone is unhappy about something.

Examples

1. 彼はいつも文句ばかり言っている。 He's always complaining about something.
2. この料理は文句なしにおいしい。 This food is undeniably delicious.
3. 文句があるなら、直接言ってください。 If you have a complaint, say it to my face.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, family, workplace

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 文 (mon/bun, writing/sentence) and 句 (ku, phrase/clause). Originally meant a phrase or wording, then expanded to include complaining words or objections.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal