To grumble or complain about something in a low, discontented manner.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To grumble or complain privately.
- Expressing dissatisfaction in a low voice.
- Often used for everyday frustrations.
Overview
“发牢骚”是一个常用的汉语动词短语，用来描述一个人因为不满意、失望或遇到困难而产生的抱怨情绪和表达方式。它通常指向某人或某事，表达内心的不满，但这种表达往往是比较含蓄或低沉的，不像激烈的抗议那样公开和强烈。这个词语带有一定的负面色彩，反映了说话人内心的负面情绪。
“发牢骚”常用于描述个人对工作、生活、人际关系等方面的不满。它可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语搭配，例如“他总是喜欢发牢骚”、“别再对我发牢骚了”。它强调的是一种持续的、带有负面情绪的表达，而不是一次性的、具体的投诉。在某些情况下，发牢骚也可能是一种宣泄不满的方式，但如果过度，则可能影响人际关系和个人心态。
这个词语常出现在日常对话、家庭生活、工作场所等非正式场合。例如，员工可能会在同事之间发牢骚抱怨工作量大、老板要求不合理；家庭成员可能会因为家务分配不均而互相发牢骚；学生可能会对考试难度或老师的教学方式发牢骚。在一些文学作品或影视剧中，角色也常常通过发牢骚来展现其性格或处境。
与“抱怨”相比，“发牢骚”更侧重于低声、私下或小范围的抱怨，语气可能更显无奈或烦躁，而“抱怨”的范围更广，可以包括更公开、更直接的表达不满。与“抱怨”相比，“发牢骚”的负面情绪和不满感可能更强一些。与“投诉”相比，“投诉”通常是更正式、更直接地向相关方提出问题和要求解决，而“发牢骚”则更多是情绪的宣泄，不一定寻求解决方案。“嘀咕”则更侧重于小声说话，内容不一定全是抱怨，可以是疑惑、秘密等，但有时也包含抱怨的意味。
Examples
他下班后总是对老婆发牢骚，抱怨老板有多么不公平。
everydayAfter work, he always grumbles to his wife, complaining about how unfair his boss is.
在会议上，他没有直接提出异议，只是在会后私下发牢骚。
workplaceHe didn't raise objections directly in the meeting, only grumbled privately afterward.
孩子们因为天气不好不能出去玩，就在屋里不停地发牢骚。
familyThe children were constantly grumbling indoors because they couldn't go out due to the bad weather.
尽管他努力工作，但还是对薪资待遇有些发牢骚。
personal financeDespite his hard work, he still grumbled a bit about his salary.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别发牢骚了
Stop grumbling.
满腹牢骚
Full of complaints/grievances.
发点儿牢骚
To vent a little.
Often Confused With
'发牢骚' emphasizes a low-voiced, often private or minor grumbling, while '抱怨' is a broader term for complaining, which can be more direct and public.
'投诉' is a formal process of lodging a complaint to seek resolution, whereas '发牢骚' is an informal expression of discontent without necessarily seeking a solution.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is generally informal and used in everyday conversations. It implies a somewhat passive or resigned expression of unhappiness rather than an active attempt to solve a problem. Be mindful of the context; using it too often might portray you as a negative person.
Common Mistakes
Confusing '发牢骚' with more formal complaints like '投诉'. Misusing it in formal settings where a direct and constructive approach is expected. Overusing it can make one sound whiny or perpetually unhappy.
Tips
Expressing low-level discontent
Use '发牢骚' when someone is grumbling about minor issues or expressing dissatisfaction quietly.
Avoid excessive complaining
While venting is normal, constantly '发牢骚' can negatively impact your mood and relationships.
Cultural nuances of venting
In Chinese culture, openly confronting issues is sometimes less common than expressing dissatisfaction indirectly through '发牢骚'.
Word Origin
The term '牢骚' (láosāo) itself refers to complaints or grievances. '发' (fā) means to issue or send out. Together, '发牢骚' literally means to 'issue grumbles'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, there's often an emphasis on harmony and avoiding direct confrontation. '发牢骚' can be a way for individuals to vent frustrations without causing significant disruption or appearing overly aggressive.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone '发' (sending out) '牢骚' (grumbles) like low-frequency radio waves, only heard by those nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions发牢骚通常指低声、私下或小范围的抱怨，带有无奈或烦躁的情绪。抱怨的范围更广，可以更公开、更直接。
不是，发牢骚通常是一种非正式的表达方式，多用于日常的口语交流中，表达个人情绪。
发牢骚的对象可以是具体的人或事，也可以是听你抱怨的朋友、家人，甚至只是自言自语。
经常发牢骚可能影响个人的心态，使其变得消极，也可能影响人际关系，让周围的人感到不快。
Test Yourself
他对这份工作很不满意，经常在同事面前＿＿＿。
句子的意思是“他对工作不满意，经常抱怨”，‘发牢骚’最符合这个语境。
下列哪个词语最接近“发牢骚”的意思？
‘发牢骚’的核心意思是低声表达不满，‘低声抱怨’最贴切。
请用“他”、“对”、“工作”、“总是”、“发牢骚”组合成一个句子。
这是一个主谓宾结构，‘他’是主语，‘总是对工作发牢骚’是谓语部分，描述了他经常抱怨工作。
Score: /3
Summary
To grumble or complain about something in a low, discontented manner.
- To grumble or complain privately.
- Expressing dissatisfaction in a low voice.
- Often used for everyday frustrations.
Expressing low-level discontent
Use '发牢骚' when someone is grumbling about minor issues or expressing dissatisfaction quietly.
Avoid excessive complaining
While venting is normal, constantly '发牢骚' can negatively impact your mood and relationships.
Cultural nuances of venting
In Chinese culture, openly confronting issues is sometimes less common than expressing dissatisfaction indirectly through '发牢骚'.
Examples
4 of 4他下班后总是对老婆发牢骚，抱怨老板有多么不公平。
After work, he always grumbles to his wife, complaining about how unfair his boss is.
在会议上，他没有直接提出异议，只是在会后私下发牢骚。
He didn't raise objections directly in the meeting, only grumbled privately afterward.
孩子们因为天气不好不能出去玩，就在屋里不停地发牢骚。
The children were constantly grumbling indoors because they couldn't go out due to the bad weather.
尽管他努力工作，但还是对薪资待遇有些发牢骚。
Despite his hard work, he still grumbled a bit about his salary.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
