Complain in Thai

“Complain” in Thai is บ่นbòn; you'll also hear ร้องเรียนráwng-rian (formal complaint).

บ่น bòn

to complain, to grumble, to nag verb

bòn low

Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.

ร้องเรียน ráwng-rian

to make a formal complaint verb

ráwng high
rian mid

High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.

How to use it

บ่นbòn is everyday complaining: about the heat, the traffic, a partner who's late. It's often affectionate, and a mother who บ่นbòn is nagging. Grumbling to yourself is บ่นbòn too.

An official complaint, to a company, a landlord or the condo office, is ร้องเรียนráwng-rian.

Other spellings you'll see

There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:

bohn
bonn
rong rian

More verbs in Thai

All verbs

เป็น bpen Be
to be (a nationality, a job, a role)
มี mii Have
to have
ไป bpai Go
to go
มา maa Come
to come
กิน gin Eat
to eat
ดื่ม dùuem Drink
to drink

Learn Thai with the free course

A complete course from your first phrase to real conversations, with audio for every word and AI speaking practice. Free, no sign-up needed.

Start the free course

Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones