Meanings of 抱怨
By ear
Play it, then pick what 抱怨 means.
About 抱怨
Podcast: 抱怨
Podcast: 抱怨
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 抱怨
抱怨 (bàoyuàn) vs 诉苦 (sùkǔ) — use 抱怨 for general complaints, while 诉苦 emphasizes sharing suffering or hardship.
Learners often mistake 抱怨 for simply stating a fact, whereas it specifically conveys dissatisfaction. It is generally used in informal contexts and can be paired with words like '工作' (work) or '生活' (life) to specify the source of complaints. Be mindful of using the correct tone: the first syllable is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
As an HSK 5 word, 抱怨 connects well with other verbs expressing emotions or states, such as '满意' (satisfied) and '不满' (dissatisfied). Focus on practicing it in sentences to express feelings about various topics.
Learners often say '我抱怨的工作' which incorrectly mixes structures. The correct phrase is '我对工作抱怨' (I complain about work). Additionally, some might use a neutral tone instead of the required falling tone for '抱怨'.
Pronunciation of 抱怨
Drill the tone of 抱怨, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 抱怨 to you
Let me explain 抱怨 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 抱怨 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 抱怨?
Learning Lab
Knowing 抱怨 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say to complain in Chinese
“to complain” in Chinese is抱怨
抱怨 (bào yuàn) means to express dissatisfaction or grievances about a situation or person. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when someone feels wronged or displeased, emphasizing a sense of frustration or annoyance.
When to use 抱怨
Learners often mistake 抱怨 for simply stating a fact, whereas it specifically conveys dissatisfaction. It is generally used in informal contexts and can be paired with words like '工作' (work) or '生活' (life) to specify the source of complaints. Be mindful of using the correct tone: the first syllable is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
抱怨 or something close to it
抱怨 (bàoyuàn) vs 诉苦 (sùkǔ) — use 抱怨 for general complaints, while 诉苦 emphasizes sharing suffering or hardship.
What learners get wrong
Learners often say '我抱怨的工作' which incorrectly mixes structures. The correct phrase is '我对工作抱怨' (I complain about work). Additionally, some might use a neutral tone instead of the required falling tone for '抱怨'.
Write 抱怨
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 抱怨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 抱怨
抱怨 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
与其花时间____，不如把精力放在解决问题上。
Rather than spending time complaining, it's better to put your energy into solving the problem.
Example sentences for 抱怨 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 抱怨?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 抱怨
It's generally more appropriate in informal contexts; in formal settings, consider using '提出意见' (tí chū yì jiàn) to express concerns.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 抱怨?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.