Translation guide
The English verb 'complicate' means to make something more complex, difficult, or entangled. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various verbs and expressions are used depending on the nuance.
To express that an action or factor adds difficulty or complexity to a situation, plan, or problem.
The most direct and common way to say 'complicate'. Literally 'make complex'. Used for situations, problems, relationships, etc.
彼の説明が問題をさらに複雑にした。
His explanation further complicated the problem.
新しい規則が手続きを複雑にしている。
The new rules are complicating the procedure.
To make a situation worse or more tangled, often through mishandling. Commonly used for relationships, negotiations, or illnesses.
余計なことを言って話をこじらせてしまった。
I complicated the discussion by saying unnecessary things.
彼女との関係をこじらせたくない。
I don't want to complicate my relationship with her.
To make something messy or confusing. More colloquial than 複雑にする. Often used for situations that become tangled or hard to understand.
彼が入ってきて話がややこしくなった。
He came in and complicated the discussion.
そんなこと言うと事態をややこしくするだけだよ。
Saying that will only complicate the situation.
To make something troublesome or bothersome. Focuses on the added hassle rather than abstract complexity.
彼の要求が計画を面倒にした。
His demands complicated the plan.
To describe making a design, system, or object more elaborate or involved.
Same as above, but applied to physical or structural complexity.
新しい機能を追加するとシステムが複雑になる。
Adding new features complicates the system.
To make something intricately tangled or convoluted, like a maze or complex network. Rare and literary.
その作家はプロットを入り組ませるのが好きだ。
That author likes to complicate the plot.
To express that a person becomes caught up in something complex or problematic.
To involve or drag someone into a situation, often with negative connotations. Not a direct translation of 'complicate', but used when someone's involvement complicates things.
彼をこの問題に巻き込むと事態が複雑になる。
Involving him will complicate the situation.
To make someone stick their nose into something, causing complications. Very casual and idiomatic.
彼に首を突っ込ませると話がややこしくなる。
Letting him stick his nose in will complicate things.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'complicate'. Using 'コンプリケートする' is not natural. Instead, use phrases like 複雑にする or context-appropriate verbs.
問題を複雑にする
complicate the problem
複雑にする is neutral and can be used in formal contexts. ややこしくする is colloquial and implies a messy, confusing complication. こじらせる often implies worsening through mishandling, especially in relationships or health.
説明が複雑になった。
The explanation became complicated.
話がややこしくなった。
The story got messy/complicated.