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
愚痴
ぐち (guchi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "complaint" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 苦情 and 愚痴.
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, 愚痴 (ぐち (guchi)) maps to "complaint; grumble; whine; idle talk of discontent" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to complaints, grumbling, whining, or idle talk of discontent about work, human relations, or life. 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 "愚痴"
居酒屋でビールのグラスを片手に、同僚と仕事の_______をこぼし合うのが彼のストレス解消法です。
Sipping a glass of beer at an izakaya and spilling complaints about work with colleagues is his way of relieving stress.
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.". "愚痴" represents "complaint; grumble; whine; idle talk of discontent".