Complain of Meaning in English

expression

US

kəmˈpɫeɪn/ /ˈəv

kuhm-PLAYN-uhv

UK

kəmplˈeɪn/ /ˈɒv

kuhm-PLAYN-ov

Definition

To say that you are suffering from a particular pain, illness, or discomfort.

Usage & Nuances

Used formally or in medical contexts to report symptoms ("complain of chest pain"). Not the same as "complain about", which means expressing general dissatisfaction.

• Spanish: quejarse de
• Portuguese (BR): reclamar de - queixar-se de
• Portuguese (PT): queixar-se de
• Chinese (Simplified): 诉说（某种症状/不适）
• Chinese (Traditional): 訴說（某種症狀/不適）
• Hindi: की शिकायत करना
• Arabic: يشتكي من
• Bengali: অভিযোগ করা (ব্যথা বা অসুবিধার) - কষ্টের কথা বলা
• Russian: жаловаться на (боль/недомогание)
• Japanese: 訴える（症状を）
• Vietnamese: kêu đau - than phiền về (triệu chứng)
• Korean: (~이/가) 아프다고 호소하다 - (~에 대해) 불편을 호소하다
• Turkish: şikayet etmek (ağrı veya rahatsızlık konusunda)
• Urdu: شکایت کرنا (درد یا تکلیف کی بابت)
• Indonesian: mengeluhkan (gejala/keluhan fisik)

Example Sentences

She complains of headaches every morning.

basic

Many patients complain of stomach pain.

basic

If you complain of a fever, you should see a doctor.

basic

Older people often complain of joint pain during winter.

natural

He came in last week complaining of shortness of breath.

natural

Kids sometimes complain of a sore throat, but it might just be dryness.

natural