Translation guide
The English word "complex" can refer to a group of buildings, a psychological issue, or something complicated. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing something that has many interconnected parts and is difficult to understand or deal with.
The most common and versatile word for 'complex' in the sense of complicated, intricate, or convoluted. Used for abstract concepts, systems, relationships, etc.
This problem is very complex.
Complex procedures are required.
A more casual, spoken word meaning complicated, confusing, or troublesome. Often used for situations or explanations that are hard to follow.
The story is getting complex.
Means intricate or involved, often used for detailed matters, procedures, or circumstances. Slightly formal or written.
There are complex circumstances.
Referring to a group of buildings or a large facility with multiple parts, such as a shopping center, sports complex, or apartment complex.
The standard term for a multi-purpose complex or combined facility (e.g., shopping mall with offices and residences).
A new complex was built in front of the station.
Specifically refers to a housing complex or apartment block, often publicly built. Not used for commercial complexes.
Referring to a mental or emotional issue, such as an inferiority complex or Oedipus complex.
The standard loanword for psychological complex. Often shortened to コンプ in casual speech.
He has a complex about his height.
Specifically means 'inferiority complex' or feeling of inferiority. More precise than コンプレックス when referring to inferiority.
The English word 'complex' is sometimes translated directly as コンプレックス, but this usually means a psychological complex. For 'complicated', use 複雑 (ふくざつ) or ややこしい.
複雑 is neutral and can be used in formal and written contexts. ややこしい is casual and often implies something is annoyingly complicated or confusing. Avoid ややこしい in formal writing.
500 households live in this housing complex.
A loanword from English, sometimes used in names of commercial or entertainment complexes (e.g., 'スポーツコンプレックス'). Not as common as 複合施設.
That sports complex also has a pool.
She has an inferiority complex about her educational background.