Translation guide
The English word 'complicated' can describe situations, relationships, machines, or feelings that are difficult to understand or deal with. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 複雑 (ふくざつ), but other words like ややこしい, 面倒 (めんどう), or 入り組んだ (いりくんだ) are used depending on the nuance. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
To describe something that is not simple, has many parts, or is hard to understand or resolve.
The most direct and common translation. Used for abstract things like situations, emotions, relationships, or systems. Neutral register.
This problem is complicated.
More casual and conversational. Implies something is messy, tangled, or troublesome to deal with. Often used for situations, rules, or relationships.
Means 'troublesome' or 'bothersome', but often used when 'complicated' implies something is a hassle. Focuses on the effort or annoyance involved.
Literally 'crowded' or 'intricate'. Used for complex, detailed matters, often in formal or written contexts. Emphasizes the tangled nature.
There are complicated circumstances.
To describe something with many interconnected parts, like a machine, a puzzle, or a physical design.
To say that something is hard to comprehend or follow intellectually.
To describe interpersonal relationships or feelings that are tangled, ambiguous, or hard to define.
複雑 (ふくざつ) is neutral and can be used in any context. ややこしい is casual and implies a messy, tangled situation that is annoying to deal with. 面倒 (めんどう) focuses on the troublesome aspect; something 面倒 is not necessarily complex, but it's a hassle. For example, a long form to fill out is 面倒, but a tax code is 複雑 or ややこしい.
This puzzle is complicated.
The situation is complicated.
She had complicated feelings.
The story is getting complicated.
This explanation is complicated (and confusing).
手続きが面倒だ。
The procedure is complicated (and a pain).
Also used for physical complexity. Works for machines, systems, or patterns.
The mechanism of this watch is complicated.
Specifically for physical things that are intricately intertwined, like a maze, wiring, or a complex pattern. More visual than 複雑.
complicated alleyways
The wiring is complicated.
Means 'compound' or 'composite'. Used when something is complicated because it combines multiple elements. Often technical.
complicated factors (multiple combined factors)
The general word for 'difficult'. Often used when 'complicated' means hard to understand. Simple and common.
This book is complicated (hard to understand).
Literally 'hard to understand'. Directly expresses the difficulty in comprehension. More specific than 難しい.
His explanation is complicated (hard to follow).
Formal word for 'esoteric' or 'abstruse'. Used for highly complex academic or technical content.
a complicated theory
The standard choice for complicated emotions or relationships.
Their relationship is complicated.
Means 'delicate' or 'subtle'. Often used when a situation or feeling is hard to describe or navigate, implying complexity.
My relationship with him is complicated (delicate/ambiguous).
Means 'twisted' or 'tangled' (from こじれる). Used for relationships or situations that have become complicated in a negative way, often due to misunderstandings.
a complicated romantic relationship
This puzzle is complicated (and annoying).
This puzzle is a pain (to do).
While 複雑 is the safest translation, using it for everything can sound unnatural. In casual speech, ややこしい or 面倒 are often more natural when the complexity is bothersome. For physical intricacy, 入り組んだ is more vivid.
This math problem is complicated.
Their relationship is complicated.