複雑
fukuzatsu[ɸɯ̟̊kɯ̟za̠t͡sɨ]
The English word "complicated" is translated into Japanese as 複雑 (fukuzatsu).
Meaning: difficult or convoluted (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 複雑 implies a convoluted or intricate structure, use the word 難しい if you are referring to general difficulty or a hard task.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use it to modify a noun directly, use the particle な (e.g., 複雑な…). To use it as an adverb meaning "in a complicated manner," replace the final vowel with に to get 複雑に. In terms of sentence endings, you can use 複雑だ for plain or informal speech and 複雑です for polite speech.
How do you pronounce it?
fukuzatsu
Did you know?
- When people describe their romantic relationship as 複雑な関係, it is often a polite euphemism for an extramarital affair or a non-traditional partnership.
- Japanese has a specific word, しがらみ, to describe the 'complicated' social obligations and ties to family or community that restrict a person's freedom.
- The character 雑 in 複雑 is also the root for the word 'Zatsudan' (miscellaneous talk/small talk), which is often seen as a way to break the ice in social settings.
Examples in context
- 複雑すぎます！That's too complicated!This sentence is useful for emphasizing that something is too complicated using the form 複雑.Tatoeba #10287866 by small_snow, translation #8910549 by sundown
- 脳の構造は複雑だ。The structure of the brain is complicated.This sentence describes the structure of the brain using the form 複雑.Tatoeba #121722 by KK_kaku_, translation #282283 by Luornu
- 人間関係はとても複雑だ。Relationships are very complicated.This sentence describes human relationships using the form 複雑.Tatoeba #8597078 by small_snow, translation #8597085 by CK
- これは難しい仕事です。This is a complicated task.
- 彼の説明は難しすぎる。His explanation is too complicated.
- 彼女の心情は複雑なものだ。Her feelings are complicated.
- この問題はむずかしすぎるよ。This problem is too complicated, you know.
- あの映画の結末はむずかしかったね。The ending of that movie was complicated, right?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are looking at a new piece of furniture's manual.
- 美咲 Misakiこの組み立て方は複雑だね。Kono kumitatekata wa fukuzatsu da ne.This assembly method is complicated, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。説明書が難しいよ。Hontou da. Setsumeisho ga muzukashii yo.You're right. The instruction manual is difficult.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、少し手伝ってくれる？Yota-kun, sukoshi tetsudatte kureru?Yota, can you help me a little?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ、一緒にやろう。Ii yo, issho ni yarou.Sure, let's do it together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 複雑, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
