Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Complaint'

English Word: complaint

Key Russian Translations:

• жалоба [ˈʐaləbə] - [Formal, Written, Legal Contexts]
• претензия [prʲɪˈtʲenzʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Used in Business or Claims]
• недовольство [nʲɪdəˈvolʲstvə] - [Neutral, General Displeasure]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and everyday contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "жалоба" and "недовольство"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "претензия" due to specific usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

жалоба: [ˈʐaləbə]

Note on жалоба: The stress falls on the first syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

претензия: [prʲɪˈtʲenzʲɪjə]

Note on претензия: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "т" sound due to palatalization.

недовольство: [nʲɪdəˈvolʲstvə]

Note on недовольство: Stress on the third syllable. The "о" in unstressed syllables may reduce to a schwa-like sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Formal Expression of Dissatisfaction (e.g., Legal or Official Complaint)

Translation(s) & Context:

• жалоба - Used in official or written contexts, such as filing a complaint with an authority.
• претензия - Often used in business or formal claims, implying a demand for resolution.

Usage Examples:

• Я подал жалобу в администрацию города.

  I filed a complaint with the city administration.

• У меня есть претензия к качеству обслуживания.

  I have a complaint about the quality of service.

• Жалоба была рассмотрена в течение недели.

  The complaint was reviewed within a week.

2. General Expression of Displeasure or Grievance

Translation(s) & Context:

• недовольство - Refers to a general feeling of dissatisfaction, not necessarily formal.

Usage Examples:

• Он выразил недовольство по поводу задержки.

  He expressed his complaint about the delay.

• Недовольство клиентов растёт с каждым днём.

  Customer complaints are growing every day.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

жалоба (Noun, Feminine): Follows the regular feminine declension pattern for nouns ending in -а.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	жалоба	жалобы
Genitive	жалобы	жалоб
Dative	жалобе	жалобам
Accusative	жалобу	жалобы
Instrumental	жалобой	жалобами
Prepositional	жалобе	жалобах

претензия (Noun, Feminine): Similar to "жалоба," follows regular feminine declension.

недовольство (Noun, Neuter): Neuter noun, does not change in plural as it is an abstract concept typically used in singular form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for жалоба/претензия (Formal Complaint):

• иск
• заявление

Note: "иск" is more legal, often implying a lawsuit, while "заявление" can be a formal statement or application.

Synonyms for недовольство (Displeasure):

• неудовлетворённость
• возмущение

Antonyms:

• удовлетворение (satisfaction)
• похвала (praise)

Related Phrases:

• подать жалобу - To file a complaint (formal or official).
• выразить недовольство - To express dissatisfaction (general context).
• иметь претензии - To have complaints or claims (often in business or personal disputes).

Usage Notes:

• "жалоба" is the most common term for a formal or written complaint, often used in legal or administrative contexts. Avoid using it for casual dissatisfaction.
• "претензия" often implies a demand for correction or compensation, making it suitable for business or contractual disputes.
• "недовольство" is more general and abstract, used to describe a state of displeasure rather than a specific grievance.
• Be mindful of the formality of the situation when choosing between these translations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "жалоба" in casual conversation for minor dissatisfaction.
  Incorrect: У меня жалоба на погоду. (I have a complaint about the weather.)
  Correct: Я недоволен погодой. (I am dissatisfied with the weather.)
  Explanation: "жалоба" implies a formal complaint, while "недоволен" (adjective form of недовольство) fits casual contexts.
• Error: Confusing "претензия" with personal grievances.
  Incorrect: У меня претензия к твоему поведению. (I have a complaint about your behavior.)
  Correct: Я недоволен твоим поведением. (I am dissatisfied with your behavior.)
  Explanation: "претензия" is more formal and often used in professional settings, not personal criticism.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, formal complaints (жалоба) are often associated with bureaucratic processes, and filing one is seen as a serious step. Expressing недовольство (displeasure) in casual settings might be more indirect to avoid confrontation, reflecting a cultural tendency toward maintaining harmony in personal interactions.

Related Concepts:

• возмущение (indignation)
• неудовлетворённость (dissatisfaction)
• обвинение (accusation)