Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Complaint" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "complaint", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
苦情
くじょう (kujō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
不平
ふへい (fuhei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "complaint" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 苦情 and 不平.
In Japanese, 苦情 (くじょう (kujō)) is typically associated with "complaint; grievance; objection" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a complaint, grievance, or objection regarding a service, product, or neighbor behavior. Often used as 苦情を言う.
On the other hand, 不平 (ふへい (fuhei)) maps to "complaint; discontent; grievance; dissatisfaction" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to complaints, discontent, grievances, or expressing dissatisfaction about treatment, environment, or rules. Often used as 不平不満. A literal translation of "complaint" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "苦情"
近所の騒音について、アパートの管理人に_______を申し立てました。
Regarding the noise in the neighborhood, I filed a complaint with the apartment manager.
Bilingual Context for "不平"
劣悪な労働環境に対して、従業員たちは連日_______を漏らしていました。
Toward the poor working environment, the employees were leaking complaints day after day.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "近所の騒音について、アパートの管理人に_______を申し立てました。" (Meaning: "Regarding the noise in the neighborhood, I filed a complaint with the apartment manager.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "苦情" fits here because it means "complaint; grievance; objection" in the context of: "Regarding the noise in the neighborhood, I filed a complaint with the apartment manager.". "不平" represents "complaint; discontent; grievance; dissatisfaction".