Can't complain
KAHNT kum-PLAYN /kɑːnt kəmˈpleɪn/
Informal Neutral
What it really means
A common answer to "How are you?" or "How is business?". It usually means things are going fine, maybe even well. It is modest British positivity, not a hidden complaint.
Chinese explanation
回答"最近怎么样"的常用语，通常表示一切还不错，甚至挺好。这是英式的低调乐观，并不是在暗中抱怨。
Example conversation
A: How's life treating you?
B: Can't complain. Busy, but in a good way.
A：日子过得怎么样？
B：没什么可抱怨的。挺忙，但忙得值。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake