Definition
发牢骚 is a separable verb-object phrase meaning 'to complain, to grumble'. The verb 发 ('to emit') and the noun 牢骚 ('complaint, grumble') can separate when you add a measure word, duration, or object — for example, 发了一通牢骚 ('let out a string of complaints') or 发什么牢骚 ('what are you complaining about?'). It is informal and carries a tone of dissatisfaction, used for someone who is being grouchy or whining.
v.o.
to complainto grumbleto grouse
Examples
- 发牢骚，。Tā fā le yì tōng fā láo sāo, ránhòu cái qù gōngzuò.He let out a string of complaints before finally going to work.
- 发牢骚，。Bié zài zhèr fā láo sāo le, kuài zuò zhèngshì ba.Stop complaining here and get to work.
- 发牢骚，。Tā zǒng ài zài tóngshì miànqián fā láo sāo, dàjiā dōu bù xǐhuān tā.He always complains in front of colleagues, and nobody likes him.
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