25639
As far as I'm aware, they both mean to complain or grumble. When would I use
[四]{し}の[五]{ご}の言う as opposed to 文句を言う？
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2015-07-10T16:01:44.177
25597
2015-07-12T08:35:52.900
2015-07-10T18:34:02.483
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question
word-choice
What's the difference between [四]{し}の[五]{ご}の言う and 文句を言う?
I would say that there is a clear difference in nuance and usage. Careful
speakers would not use the two interchangeably -- at least not all the time.

「文句{もんく}を言{い}う」 sounds pretty **_neutral_** and accordingly, it is used
widely. The phrase itself expresses no personal bias on the part of the
speaker unless other words are added that can express it.

「四{し}の五{ご}の言う」 is an idiomatic expression that is much more **_nuanced_** than
a "regular and literal" phrase like 「文句を言う」.

If you used 「四の五の言う」 to describe someone's complaint, you would sound like you
are saying that the other person is always complaining for the sake of
complaining or he was complaining about a trivial matter. You would almost
surely sound angry, irritated or frustrated as well.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-07-12T08:35:52.900
25639
2015-07-12T08:35:52.900
25597
answer