Learning French: the meaning of râler and more moaning synonyms

It is often said that people in France love to complain, with râler sarcastically deemed the country’s national sport. 

Lyon is the French city with the biggest moaners, closely followed by Paris and then Nice, reports a recent Preply study. 

From politics and family members, to road rage and the cost of living crisis… We look at how to use the word râler like a native French speaker and share even more synonyms for moaning and groaning. 

What does râler mean?

Dictionary definitions will tell you that the translation for râler is ‘to complain’, however it is actually more nuanced than that.

The informal word refers to the idea of continually grumbling or moaning about anything and everything, no matter how small. 

A possible English slang translation could be ‘to vent,’ referring to someone who feels the need to get things off their chest, expressing all of their complaints loudly.

Similarly informal synonyms include:

• Rouspéter - to gripe

• Ronchonner - to grumble

• Bougonner - to grouch 

• Grogner - to groan

• Grommeler - to mutter

• Geindre - to whine

• Chouiner - to moan

• Maronner - to grouse

• Maugréer - to mumble

• Pleurnicher - to whinge 

You can even describe someone as being un râleur or une râleuse, if this trait is considered a key element of their personality.

Read more: ‘En avoir ras-le-bol’ - A French expression you may hear today

French also uses a similar ral expression to describe feeling ‘fed up’ or ‘sick of something’: J’en ai ras-le-bol (literally: my bowl is full, meaning: I’ve had it up to here).

What are the origins of râler?

This word stems from the verb râle: to wheeze or gasp. It can therefore be used to describe a literal grumbling sound coming from someone's mouth.

Râle also refers to a bird of prey, the water rail, (from the Rallidae family) which is known for its grumbling squawk.

Read also: 12 different ways to express anger and frustration in French

When do you say râler?

Say this whenever a friend or family member continually complains:

• Dis donc, tu vas râler comme ça toute la journée ? - My word, are you going to moan like that all day? 

• C'est ma meilleure amie, mais elle râle pour tout et pour n'importe quoi. - She is my best friend but she grumbles about everything and anything .

You could even use it to imply that you are going to make a complaint:

• Cette soupe est froide. Je suis désolé mais je vais râler. - This soup is cold. I'm sorry but I'm going to complain.

• Je ne râle pas souvent, mais cette fois-ci, tu es allé trop loin. - I don't often complain but you have gone too far this time. 

It can be used as an adjective to describe a person who moans a lot:

• Ce petit garçon n’est jamais content. C’est un vrai râleur. - This little boy is never happy. He is such a whinger.

• Son grand-père est un râleur, mais au fond de lui, il a un grand cœur. - His grandpa loves a good moan, but deep down he has a big heart. 

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir du bol

To whom do you say râler?

It is casual, informal language that should only be used with friends and family. 

Depending on your tone of voice, it could come across as a playful tease or an offensive insult. 

You should avoid using it in formal situations, especially if referring to colleagues or strangers.

More neutral alternatives include:

• Se plaindre - to complain

• Se lamenter - to snivel

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com