Harp on Meaning in English
expression
ˈhɑɹp/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
HARP-awn
hˈɑːp/ /ˈɒn
HAHP-on
Definition
To talk or complain about something repeatedly, often in an annoying or excessive way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, slightly negative; often used about someone repeating complaints or advice ('harp on about...'). Common mistake is confusing with 'dwell on', which is less negative. Usually used for ongoing, tiresome repetition.
Spanish: insistir en - machacar conPortuguese (BR): bater na mesma tecla - insistir emPortuguese (PT): bater na mesma tecla - insistir emChinese (Simplified): 反复谈论 - 唠叨Chinese (Traditional): 反覆談論 - 嘮叨Hindi: लगातार दोहराना - बार-बार ज़िक्र करनाArabic: يُلِح على - يكرّر الحديث عنBengali: বারবার একই কথা বলা - নিরন্তর অভিযোগ করাRussian: утомлять разговорами - постоянно жаловатьсяJapanese: しつこく言う - ぐちぐち言うVietnamese: lặp đi lặp lại - càm ràm mãiKorean: 계속 되풀이하다 - 지겹게 말하다Turkish: durmadan aynı şeyi söylemek - sürekli şikayet etmekUrdu: بار بار ایک ہی بات دہرانا - بلا تھکے شکایت کرناIndonesian: mengulang-ulang - terus-menerus mengeluh
Example Sentences
Please don't harp on the same mistakes every day.
basic
She loves to harp on about how early she wakes up.
basic
Try not to harp on your bad luck.
basic
He's always harping on about his old job.
natural
I wish my parents would stop harping on about my grades.
natural
Let’s not harp on the problem any longer—let’s find a solution.
natural