错综复杂 30秒で
- A formal idiom for 'intricate' and 'intertwined'.
- Used for systems, relationships, and global issues.
- Implies multiple layers that cross over each other.
- Higher register than the common word '复杂' (fùzá).
The idiom 错综复杂 (cuò zōng fù zá) is a four-character chengyu that serves as a powerful descriptor for situations that are not merely 'hard' but are deeply intertwined, multi-layered, and tangled like a messy ball of yarn. To understand its depth, we must look at the individual characters: 错 (cuò) suggests interlocking or being staggered; 综 (zōng) refers to the threads on a loom or gathering together; 复 (fù) indicates repetition or multiple layers; and 杂 (zá) means miscellaneous or mixed. Together, they paint a picture of a fabric where the warp and woof are so intricately woven that it is difficult to find the beginning or the end.
- Literal Imagery
- Imagine a loom where thousands of different colored threads are crossing each other at varying angles. This isn't just a simple pattern; it's a chaotic yet structural density.
这个案件的人际关系错综复杂，警察花了几个月才理清头绪。(The interpersonal relationships in this case are intricate and complicated; it took the police months to sort out the clues.)
In modern Chinese, you will encounter this word most frequently in formal contexts such as political analysis, economic reports, and literary critiques. It is the go-to phrase for describing the 'global situation' (国际形势), 'social contradictions' (社会矛盾), or 'family histories' (家族历史). While the word '复杂' (fùzá) means simple complexity, adding '错综' elevates it to a level where the components are actively interfering with one another.
- Common Collocations
- It often modifies nouns like 关系 (relations), 背景 (background), 因素 (factors), or 局面 (situation).
现代城市的地下管线网络错综复杂。(The underground pipeline network of modern cities is intricate and complex.)
Culturally, this idiom reflects a Chinese philosophical worldview that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all things. Nothing exists in a vacuum; every action has a thousand reactions, creating a web that is, by definition, 错综复杂. When you use this word, you are signaling to your listener that you appreciate the depth and difficulty of the subject matter.
Mastering 错综复杂 requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It primarily functions as an adjective. It can act as a predicate (coming after the subject), an attributive (modifying a noun), or even a complement in some structures. Because it is a four-character idiom, it carries a formal weight that '复杂' lacks.
- As a Predicate
- When used as a predicate, it often follows the pattern: [Subject] + [Adverb of degree] + 错综复杂. For example: '这里的利益关系非常错综复杂' (The interest relations here are very intricate).
中东地区的历史问题错综复杂，短期内难以解决。(The historical issues in the Middle East are intricate and complicated, making them difficult to resolve in the short term.)
When using it as an attributive to modify a noun, you usually add the particle '的' (de). The structure is: 错综复杂的 + [Noun]. Common nouns include '环境' (environment), '线索' (clues), and '矛盾' (contradictions).
他试图在错综复杂的证据中寻找真相。(He attempted to find the truth amidst the intricate evidence.)
- Nuance Check
- Do not use this for a 'difficult math problem' (that's just 难 or 复杂). Use it for a 'difficult social problem' involving many people's opinions, history, and laws.
If you turn on CCTV News (新闻联播) or read a business journal like Caixin, you will hear 错综复杂 almost daily. It is the linguistic bread and butter of analysts. When a spokesperson discusses international trade disputes, they don't just say they are 'hard'; they call them '错综复杂' to acknowledge the many moving parts involved.
- In Literature
- In novels, especially those dealing with family sagas (like 'Dream of the Red Chamber' or modern corporate dramas), this word describes the web of alliances, betrayals, and hidden motives between characters.
这部小说的情节错综复杂，引人入胜。(The plot of this novel is intricate and complex, making it fascinating.)
In a professional setting, during a project post-mortem or a strategy meeting, a manager might say, '面对错综复杂的市场环境...' (Facing the intricate market environment...). This validates the team's struggle by framing the problem as objectively difficult. It’s a word that commands respect for the difficulty of the task at hand.
大脑的神经网络结构错综复杂。(The neural network structure of the brain is intricate and complex.)
While 错综复杂 is a useful idiom, learners often misapply it in ways that sound unnatural to native speakers. The most common error is using it for 'technical difficulty' rather than 'relational or structural complexity'. For example, a difficult coding bug might be '复杂' (complex), but it's rarely '错综复杂' unless it involves multiple conflicting legacy systems and team politics.
- Mistake #1: Overuse in Casual Speech
- Saying '我的作业错综复杂' (My homework is intricate and complex) sounds melodramatic. Use '难' or '多' instead.
Incorrect: 这个问题太错综复杂了，我不会做这道数学题。(This problem is too intricate; I can't do this math problem.)
Another mistake is forgetting the 'intertwined' aspect. If something is just 'complicated' because there are many steps (like a recipe), use '繁琐' (fánsuǒ - tedious/detailed) or just '复杂'. 错综复杂 requires a sense of things crossing over each other, like a web or a knot.
To truly master 错综复杂, you must know how it compares to its synonyms. Chinese has many ways to say 'complex,' each with a specific flavor.
- 复杂 (fùzá) vs. 错综复杂
- 复杂 is the general term for 'complex.' 错综复杂 is a subset of '复杂' that specifically emphasizes the 'intertwined' and 'messy' nature of the parts.
- 扑朔迷离 (pū shuò mí lí)
- This idiom is often used for mysteries or situations where the truth is hard to see. While 错综复杂 focuses on the structure, 扑朔迷离 focuses on the confusion of the observer.
案情扑朔迷离，让人捉摸不透。(The details of the case are blurred and confusing, making it impossible to grasp.)
- 纷繁芜杂 (fēn fán wú zá)
- This describes a situation that is numerous and disorganized, often with a negative connotation of being 'cluttered' or 'full of junk.'
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The character '综' (zōng) originally referred to the part of a loom that lifts the warp threads. Without the 'zōng', you couldn't weave a complex pattern!
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'zōng' as 'zhōng'.
- Mixing up the 4th tone of 'cuò' with a 2nd tone.
- Using a 3rd tone for 'fù' instead of 4th.
- Failing to make 'zá' a clear rising tone.
- Reading the idiom too slowly, losing its rhythmic flow.
難易度
Requires knowledge of 4 distinct characters and their combined idiomatic meaning.
Characters like '综' and '繁' (in related words) are stroke-heavy and easy to miswrite.
Tones are standard, but saying it fluently within a sentence takes practice.
Distinctive rhythm makes it relatively easy to spot once learned.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
知っておくべき文法
Chengyu as Adjectives
错综复杂的社会 (An intricate society).
The particle '的' in idioms
情况[的]错综复杂 (The complexity of the situation).
Adverbs of Degree with Idioms
极其错综复杂 (Extremely intricate).
Predicate Structure
这里的矛盾非常错综复杂。
Attributive Structure
他处理过许多错综复杂的案件。
レベル別の例文
这个事情很错综复杂。
This matter is very intricate.
Subject + 很 + Idiom.
关系错综复杂。
Relationships are complicated.
Simple Predicate.
它不简单，它错综复杂。
It's not simple, it's intricate.
Contrastive use.
这里的路错综复杂。
The roads here are intricate.
Describing physical layout.
他的心事错综复杂。
His worries are complicated.
Describing emotions.
这本小说的故事错综复杂。
This novel's story is intricate.
Noun + 的 + Noun + Idiom.
问题错综复杂，没那么容易。
The problem is intricate, not that easy.
Standard usage.
生活错综复杂。
Life is intricate.
Abstract subject.
城市里的电线错综复杂。
The wires in the city are intricately tangled.
Physical description.
这个案件的情况错综复杂。
The circumstances of this case are intricate.
Contextual usage.
他面临着错综复杂的选择。
He is facing intricate choices.
Attributive use with '的'.
公司内部的斗争错综复杂。
The internal struggles of the company are intricate.
Describing social dynamics.
历史背景错综复杂。
The historical background is intricate.
Academic context.
这种机器的内部结构错综复杂。
The internal structure of this machine is intricate.
Technical description.
由于原因错综复杂，我们无法开工。
Because the reasons are intricate, we cannot start work.
Causal clause.
这里的地形错综复杂，容易迷路。
The terrain here is intricate; it's easy to get lost.
Descriptive.
两国之间的关系错综复杂，涉及多个领域。
The relationship between the two countries is intricate, involving multiple fields.
Formal international relations context.
要理清这些错综复杂的财务报表需要时间。
It takes time to sort out these intricate financial statements.
Using '理清' (sort out) with the idiom.
这部电影通过错综复杂的情节揭示了人性。
The movie reveals human nature through an intricate plot.
Attributive use.
由于各种因素错综复杂，改革进展缓慢。
Because various factors are intricate, the reform progress is slow.
Identifying causes.
他陷入了一个错综复杂的阴谋之中。
He fell into an intricate conspiracy.
Metaphorical use.
这个数学公式背后的逻辑错综复杂。
The logic behind this mathematical formula is intricate.
Abstract complexity.
现代社会的法律体系错综复杂。
The legal system of modern society is intricate.
Societal structure.
他们之间有着错综复杂的利益纠葛。
There are intricate interest entanglements between them.
Describing conflict.
在错综复杂的国际形势下，保持稳定至关重要。
In the intricate international situation, maintaining stability is crucial.
Standard political phrase.
这位作家的文风以错综复杂著称。
This writer's style is known for being intricate.
Describing artistic style.
由于线索错综复杂，侦破工作陷入了僵局。
Because the clues were intricate, the investigation reached a stalemate.
Resultative context.
我们需要从错综复杂的现象中抓住本质。
We need to grasp the essence from the intricate phenomena.
Philosophical approach.
该项目的技术要求错综复杂，超出了我们的预期。
The technical requirements of the project are intricate, exceeding our expectations.
Business/Engineering.
生态系统是一个错综复杂的生命网络。
An ecosystem is an intricate network of life.
Scientific definition.
他试图调解那场错综复杂的家族矛盾。
He tried to mediate that intricate family conflict.
Social mediation.
这里的文化背景错综复杂，融合了多种元素。
The cultural background here is intricate, blending multiple elements.
Cultural analysis.
这篇文章深刻剖析了错综复杂的社会阶级关系。
This article deeply analyzes the intricate social class relations.
Academic tone.
面对错综复杂的局面，领导者必须保持清醒的头脑。
Facing an intricate situation, a leader must maintain a clear mind.
Leadership context.
各种矛盾交织在一起，形成了错综复杂的局面。
Various contradictions are interwoven, forming an intricate situation.
Explaining the formation of complexity.
其背后的政治动机错综复杂，非一两句话能说清。
The political motives behind it are intricate, not something that can be explained in a sentence or two.
Emphasizing depth.
神经网络通过错综复杂的连接实现信息的传递。
Neural networks transmit information through intricate connections.
Scientific/Technical.
这部戏剧展现了错综复杂的人性挣扎。
This play showcases the intricate struggles of human nature.
Literary analysis.
由于历史遗留问题错综复杂，边界谈判举步维艰。
Due to the intricate legacy of historical issues, boundary negotiations are struggling.
Geopolitical context.
在错综复杂的金融市场中，风险无处不在。
In the intricate financial markets, risk is everywhere.
Financial context.
其叙事结构之错综复杂，令无数评论家叹为观止。
The intricacy of its narrative structure has left countless critics in awe.
Using '之' for formal possession.
这种错综复杂的共生关系维持了雨林的平衡。
This intricate symbiotic relationship maintains the balance of the rainforest.
High-level biology.
法律条文错综复杂，普通人往往难以窥其全貌。
The legal provisions are so intricate that ordinary people often struggle to see the whole picture.
Formal observation.
城市化的进程伴随着错综复杂的社会变迁。
The process of urbanization is accompanied by intricate social changes.
Sociological discourse.
他笔下的世界是一个由错综复杂的隐喻构成的迷宫。
The world he writes is a labyrinth composed of intricate metaphors.
Literary criticism.
面对如此错综复杂的利益博弈，每一步棋都至关重要。
Facing such an intricate game of interests, every move is vital.
Strategic metaphor.
该理论旨在阐明语言与思维之间错综复杂的关系。
The theory aims to clarify the intricate relationship between language and thought.
Linguistic academic context.
历史的真相往往掩埋在错综复杂的谎言与误解之下。
The truth of history is often buried beneath intricate lies and misunderstandings.
Philosophical statement.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— An intricate and complicated situation.
在错综复杂的形势下，我们要保持冷静。
— An intricate network (physical or abstract).
这是一个错综复杂的人际网络。
— A web of intricate relationships.
他深陷于一个错综复杂的关系网中。
— An intricate game/struggle of interests.
这是一场错综复杂的利益博弈。
— Intricate social phenomena.
如何解释这种错综复杂的社会现象？
— Intricate historical entanglements.
两国有着错综复杂的历史纠葛。
— Intricate psychological activities/thoughts.
描写人物错综复杂的心理活动。
— Intricate internal struggles.
公司面临错综复杂的内部斗争。
— Intricate legal procedures.
法律程序错综复杂，需要律师协助。
— Intricate emotional entanglements.
他们的感情纠葛错综复杂。
よく混同される語
General vs. specific structural complexity.
Focuses on 'many' rather than 'intertwined'.
Focuses on 'disorder' or 'mess' rather than 'complexity'.
慣用句と表現
— Things are blurred and confusing, hard to see the truth.
案情扑朔迷离。
Literary— Complicated and difficult to deal with because of deep roots.
这个问题盘根错节。
Literary— A multitude of things to deal with; very complex.
事务繁多，千头万绪。
Literary— Numerous and disorganized.
思绪纷繁芜杂。
Formal— Dazzled by a multitude of things.
商品琳琅满目，令人眼花缭乱。
Neutral— A total mess (very informal).
房间里乱七八糟的。
Informal— Criss-crossed.
沟壑纵横交错。
Neutral— Mixed emotions.
此时此刻，他百感交集。
Literary— A ball of tangled hemp; a complete mess.
心里像一团乱麻。
Informal— Torn to pieces; fragmented.
家庭支离破碎。
Neutral間違えやすい
Both involve things crossing.
纵横交错 is usually for physical lines (roads, rivers), while 错综复杂 is for abstract situations.
铁路纵横交错 vs. 关系错综复杂。
Both mean hard to understand.
扑朔迷离 implies a mystery or shifting appearances; 错综复杂 implies a difficult structure.
真相扑朔迷离 vs. 结构错综复杂。
Both describe complexity.
盘根错节 usually describes old, deep-seated problems or power structures.
旧势力的影响盘根错节。
Both start with 'complex' ideas.
繁文缛节 specifically means 'red tape' or 'unnecessary formalities.'
政府的繁文缛节。
Both involve threads/connections.
千丝万缕 emphasizes the *existence* of many connections, often emotional or historical.
两人之间有着千丝万缕的联系。
文型パターン
S + 很 + 错综复杂
这个问题很错综复杂。
错综复杂的 + N
错综复杂的关系。
S + 变得 + 错综复杂
情况变得错综复杂。
由于...错综复杂，...
由于背景错综复杂，调查很难。
在...错综复杂的...下
在错综复杂的国际形势下。
理清/分析 + 错综复杂的 + N
理清错综复杂的线索。
N + 之 + 错综复杂
情节之错综复杂。
面对...错综复杂的局面
面对如此错综复杂的局面。
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
Common in media and literature; rare in casual daily life.
-
Using it for a simple mess.
→
乱 (luàn)
错综复杂 implies a deep, structural complexity, not just a messy desk.
-
Writing '综' as '众'.
→
错综复杂
They sound similar but '综' means weave, '众' means crowd.
-
Saying '错综复杂得要命'.
→
极其错综复杂
Idioms don't usually take the '得' complement of degree in this way.
-
Using it to describe a person's personality.
→
性格复杂 (xìnggé fùzá)
错综复杂 is for situations or relationships, not individual traits.
-
Confusing it with 纵横交错.
→
Depends on context.
Use 纵横交错 for physical crossing (roads) and 错综复杂 for abstract crossing (politics).
ヒント
Pair with '理清'
A very common high-level phrase is '理清错综复杂的头绪' (to sort out intricate threads).
Tone Accuracy
The 4-1-4-2 tone pattern is rhythmic. Practice saying it like a short song.
Radical Clue
The 'silk' radical in 综 and the 'clothing' radical in 复 remind you of fabric and weaving.
History Buffer
Use it when talking about Chinese history; it immediately makes you sound like an expert.
Adverbial Use
It rarely acts as an adverb (with 地). Stick to using it as an adjective or predicate.
The 'X' Rule
Imagine the 'X' in '错' stands for 'crossing' threads.
Avoid Clichés
In very high-level literature, this word can be a bit of a cliché. Try '纷繁' for variety.
News Trigger
When you hear this on the news, get ready for a list of reasons or factors.
Don't Mix with 杂乱
杂乱 is just messy; 错综复杂 is organized complexity gone wild.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of 'Cuo' as a 'Cross', 'Zong' as a 'Zone' of threads, 'Fu' as 'Full' of layers, and 'Za' as 'Zany' or messy. A Cross-Zone Full-Zany mess!
視覚的連想
Visualize a giant spider web in a dark forest where each strand is a different color and they are all knotted together.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to describe your favorite TV show's plot using '错综复杂' in a sentence to a friend today.
語源
The term comes from the 'I Ching' (Book of Changes), specifically the section 'Xi Ci' (Appended Remarks). It originally described the way the lines (hexagrams) in the I Ching interweave and transform.
元の意味： The interlocking and weaving of patterns.
Sino-Tibetan / Chinese Idiom (Chengyu).文化的な背景
No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral-to-formal descriptive term.
Equates to 'intricate,' 'labyrinthine,' or 'convoluted.'
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Politics
- 国际关系错综复杂
- 政治局势错综复杂
- 利益分配错综复杂
- 矛盾错综复杂
Crime/Mystery
- 案情错综复杂
- 线索错综复杂
- 人际关系错综复杂
- 背景错综复杂
Literature
- 情节错综复杂
- 结构错综复杂
- 人性错综复杂
- 主题错综复杂
Business
- 市场环境错综复杂
- 债务关系错综复杂
- 股权结构错综复杂
- 竞争态势错综复杂
Science
- 神经系统错综复杂
- 生态网络错综复杂
- 数据关系错综复杂
- 因果关系错综复杂
会話のきっかけ
"你觉得这部电影的情节是不是有点错综复杂？"
"面对错综复杂的工作任务，你通常先从哪里入手？"
"你认为现代社会最错综复杂的问题是什么？"
"你喜欢读那种情节错综复杂的小说吗？"
"如何才能在错综复杂的人际关系中保持自我？"
日記のテーマ
描述一次你处理错综复杂问题的经历。你是如何解决的？
你认为是什么让现代生活变得如此错综复杂？
分析你最喜欢的书或电影中错综复杂的人物关系。
如果世界不再错综复杂，而是变得非常简单，你觉得会更好吗？
写一段关于未来城市错综复杂交通系统的想象。
よくある質問
10 問Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's like saying 'The spatial layout of this chamber is labyrinthine and convoluted.' Better to use '乱' (luàn).
复杂 is 'complex.' 错综复杂 is 'intricately complex and intertwined.' Use the latter for more formal writing or when things are really tangled.
It is generally neutral but often used in the context of problems, so it can feel slightly negative. However, a '错综复杂' plot in a book is a good thing!
It's used for a person's *relationships* or *thoughts*, but not usually to describe a person's character (use '复杂' or '城府深' for that).
Yes, it is often found in HSK 5 and 6 materials and is considered an advanced idiom.
It has the 'silk' radical (纟) on the left and 'zōng' (宗) on the right. Think of silk threads in a temple.
Yes, although the idiom is already strong, adding '非常' or '极其' is common for emphasis.
关系 (guānxì - relationships/relations) is by far the most common.
Only if the logic is very intertwined. Usually, '复杂' or '难' is better for math.
No, chengyu are almost always four characters. You can't shorten it to '错综' or '复杂' and keep the same meaning.
自分をテスト 12 問
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
错综复杂 (cuò zōng fù zá) is the perfect word to use when describing a situation with many 'moving parts' that are all tangled together. Example: '国际关系错综复杂' (International relations are intricate and complex).
- A formal idiom for 'intricate' and 'intertwined'.
- Used for systems, relationships, and global issues.
- Implies multiple layers that cross over each other.
- Higher register than the common word '复杂' (fùzá).
Context is Key
Always use this for 'systems' or 'webs' of things. If you can't imagine it as a web, don't use it.
Pair with '理清'
A very common high-level phrase is '理清错综复杂的头绪' (to sort out intricate threads).
Tone Accuracy
The 4-1-4-2 tone pattern is rhythmic. Practice saying it like a short song.
Radical Clue
The 'silk' radical in 综 and the 'clothing' radical in 复 remind you of fabric and weaving.
関連コンテンツ
businessの関連語
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1それに応じて / 相応に。前の変化に合わせて、次の行動や状態が変わることを示します。
账号
A2銀行口座番号や、オンラインサービスにアクセスするために使用されるユーザーID。
客户经理
A2顧客との関係を管理し、ニーズに応えるアカウントマネージャー。
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
会计
A2会計士は、財務記録を管理する専門家です。
收购
B1企業を買収する。
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2広告費。製品やサービスを宣伝するために支払われる費用。
调整
B1来四半期のマーケティング戦略を調整する必要があります。
