compliqué
/kɔ̃.pli.ke/
The English word "complicated" is translated into French as compliqué. Wiktionary also lists alambiqué.
Meaning: difficult or convoluted (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| compliqué | /kɔ̃.pli.ke/ |
| alambiqué | /a.lɑ̃.bi.ke/ |
The word compliqué is used to describe something that is difficult or convoluted. You might also use the expression Ça se complique when a situation becomes more intricate or difficult over time.
Which one should you use?
While compliqué refers to something generally difficult or complex, alambiqué carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something is unnecessarily convoluted, pedantic or over-elaborate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use the feminine form compliquée for feminine nouns, compliqués for masculine plural nouns or mixed-gender groups and compliquées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of compliqué is /kɔ̃.pli.ke/ and it consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, French speakers often use the word galère to describe a complicated or grueling task, such as C'est la galère.
- The word alambiqué comes from the word for an alembic, which is a distilling flask used in alchemy and chemistry.
- The term casse-tête, used for a 'complicated' puzzle or problem, literally translates to 'head-breaker'.
Examples in context
- Tout est si compliqué.This is all so complicated.This sentence illustrates a situation where everything is extremely complicated.Tatoeba #4871854 by sacredceltic, translation #2892188 by CK
- C'est trop compliqué !That's too complicated!This sentence emphasizes that something is too complicated.Tatoeba #8331280 by Julien_PDC, translation #8910549 by sundown
- Ce n'est pas compliqué.This isn't complicated.This sentence provides a way to state that something is not complicated.Tatoeba #3449848 by mouche, translation #2233749 by CK
- La situation est compliquée.The situation is complicated.
- C'est une tâche difficile à accomplir.It's a difficult task to accomplish.
- La question est très épineuse.The issue is very complicated.
- Ma vie amoureuse, c'est pas simple en ce moment.My love life is complicated right now.
- Au fur et à mesure, ça se complique de plus en plus.As time goes on, it's getting more and more complicated.
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are discussing a math problem.
- LucasCet exercice est trop compliqué pour moi.This exercise is too complicated for me.
- ChloéJe trouve qu'il est assez compliqué aussi.I think it is quite complicated too.
- LucasTu peux m'aider avec ce truc compliqué ?Can you help me with this complicated thing?
- ChloéOui, on va regarder ça ensemble.Yes, we will look at it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “complicated” translations and entries compliqué, alambiqué, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
