complain
Meaning: To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
To complain is to say that you are unhappy or not satisfied with something. It can range from casual grumbling to formal complaints. 'Complaint' is the noun form. British people are sometimes stereotyped as being reluctant to complain directly, preferring instead to suffer in silence or complain to friends.
Examples
- She complained to the manager about the poor service. 她向经理投诉服务质量差。Ella se quejó al gerente por el mal servicio.彼女はサービスの悪さについてマネージャーに苦情を言いました。그녀는 서비스가 나빴다고 매니저에게 불만을 제기했습니다.
- I can't complain - life's been pretty good lately. 我没什么可抱怨的——最近生活挺好的。No me puedo quejar - la vida ha sido bastante buena últimamente.文句は言えません。最近、人生はかなり順調です。불만은 없습니다. 요즘 삶이 꽤 순조롭거든요.
- He's always complaining about something. 他总是在抱怨什么。Él siempre se está quejando de algo.彼はいつも何かについて文句を言っています。그는 항상 무언가에 대해 불평하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'complaindre', from Medieval Latin 'complangere' meaning 'to bewail', from 'com-' (intensive) and 'plangere' (to lament, strike the breast). Related to 'plaintiff' and 'plague'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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