How to say 'Phrase' or 'Complaint' in Japanese | 文句

word

Meaning

Phrase, Complaint

Reading

Kanji

文Sentence 句Phrase, Paragraph

Explanation

The Japanese noun '文句 (もんく)' has two distinct meanings. The first and most common meaning is 'complaint', referring to an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance. For example: he always has complaints「彼はいつも文句を言う」(かれはいつももんくをいう). The second meaning is 'phrase', referring to a short, memorable expression or a set of words. For example: this phrase is catchy「この文句はキャッチーだ」(このもんくはきゃっちーだ). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. When used to mean 'complaint', it often appears with verbs like 言う (いう, to say) or つける (to make). When used to mean 'phrase', it is often associated with advertising, slogans, or memorable sayings.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2790

Composition

kanji

Handwriting