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.
この問題は複雑だ。
This problem is complicated.
彼女は複雑な気持ちだった。
She had complicated feelings.
More casual and conversational. Implies something is messy, tangled, or troublesome to deal with. Often used for situations, rules, or relationships.
話がややこしくなってきた。
The story is getting complicated.
この説明はややこしい。
This explanation is complicated (and confusing).
Means 'troublesome' or 'bothersome', but often used when 'complicated' implies something is a hassle. Focuses on the effort or annoyance involved.
手続きが面倒だ。
The procedure is complicated (and a pain).
Literally 'crowded' or 'intricate'. Used for complex, detailed matters, often in formal or written contexts. Emphasizes the tangled nature.
込み入った事情がある。
There are complicated circumstances.
To describe something with many interconnected parts, like a machine, a puzzle, or a physical design.
Also used for physical complexity. Works for machines, systems, or patterns.
この時計の仕組みは複雑だ。
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.
入り組んだ路地
complicated alleyways
配線が入り組んでいる。
The wiring is complicated.
Means 'compound' or 'composite'. Used when something is complicated because it combines multiple elements. Often technical.
複合的な要因
complicated factors (multiple combined factors)
To say that something is hard to comprehend or follow intellectually.
The general word for 'difficult'. Often used when 'complicated' means hard to understand. Simple and common.
この本は難しい。
This book is complicated (hard to understand).
Literally 'hard to understand'. Directly expresses the difficulty in comprehension. More specific than 難しい.
Formal word for 'esoteric' or 'abstruse'. Used for highly complex academic or technical content.
To describe interpersonal relationships or feelings that are tangled, ambiguous, or hard to define.
The standard choice for complicated emotions or relationships.
二人の関係は複雑だ。
Their relationship is complicated.
Means 'delicate' or 'subtle'. Often used when a situation or feeling is hard to describe or navigate, implying complexity.
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.
こじれた恋愛関係
a complicated romantic relationship
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.
このパズルは複雑だ。
This puzzle is complicated.
このパズルはややこしい。
This puzzle is complicated (and annoying).
このパズルは面倒だ。
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.
状況は複雑です。
The situation is complicated.
この数学の問題は難しい。
This math problem is complicated.
あの二人の関係は複雑だ。
Their relationship is complicated.
彼の説明は分かりにくい。
His explanation is complicated (hard to follow).
難解な理論
a complicated theory
My relationship with him is complicated (delicate/ambiguous).