klaga
complain
Definition & meaning
The word klaga primarily means to complain. it is used when a person expresses dissatisfaction, resentment, or unhappiness regarding a situation, a person, or a service. It can also describe the act of lamenting or moaning due to physical pain or emotional grief.
In Swedish, it is commonly used with prepositions:
- klaga på: to complain about someone or something specific (e.g., a noisy neighbor or bad weather).
- klaga över: to complain or lament over a situation or a condition (e.g., over the high prices).
Grammar & Word origin
Klaga is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation group (ar-verbs).
- Present: klagar
- Past: klagade
- Supine: klagat
- Imperative: klaga
The word originates from the Middle Low German word klagen, which has the same meaning. It is cognate with the German word klagen and is related to the Old Swedish klagha. Historically, the root is associated with making a loud sound or a cry of lamentation.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: gnälla (to whine or nag) beklaga sig (to complain or express regret) jämra sig (to moan or wail) kverulera (to complain persistently, often in a formal or legal sense) ojja sig (to groan or say "oj")
Antonyms: berömma (to praise) prisa (to laud or commend) tacka (to thank) hylla (to tribute or celebrate)
Make “klaga” part of your vocabulary.
Build your Swedish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Barnet börjar klaga när hon är trött.verb
The child starts to complain when she is tired.
Vi klagade på maten i går.verb
We complained about the food yesterday.
Keep exploring Swedish
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad