Complex refers to a situation where many interconnected elements make something difficult to simplify or understand.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when many parts make something hard to understand.
- Describes intricate systems, relationships, or problems.
- Commonly used in both daily and formal conversations.
Overview
- 1概要：「複雑」は、複数の要素が組み合わさっていて、全体を理解したり解決したりすることが難しい状態を表します。単なる「難しい」とは異なり、構造の入り組んだ様子を重視する言葉です。2) 使用パターン：「複雑な＋名詞」の形で、複雑な問題、複雑な事情、複雑な機械のように使われます。また、「〜が複雑だ」という述語としても非常に一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活では人間関係の悩みや、機械の操作方法、あるいは社会的な課題について論じる際に頻繁に登場します。ビジネスシーンでは、プロジェクトの進捗や契約内容が込み入っている場合によく使われます。4) 類語との比較：「込み入った」は、物理的に混ざり合っている状態を指すことが多く、「複雑」よりも少し口語的です。「難解」は、内容が難しくて理解が困難であるという知的な側面に焦点が当たります。「複雑」は、構造そのものが入り組んでいるという客観的な状況を説明するのに最も適した言葉です。
Examples
この問題は非常に複雑だ。
everydayThis problem is very complex.
複雑な手続きが必要となります。
formalComplicated procedures are required.
人間関係って複雑だよね。
informalHuman relationships are complicated, aren't they?
複雑なシステムを分析する。
academicAnalyze a complex system.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
複雑に絡み合う
to be intricately intertwined
話が複雑になる
the story gets complicated
複雑な心境
mixed feelings
Often Confused With
Nankai is specifically for things that are hard to understand intellectually, like a difficult book or theory. Fukuzatsu focuses on the structural complexity.
Komi-itta is more informal and emphasizes the physical or conceptual entanglement. It is often used for personal stories or situations.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Fukuzatsu is a versatile adjective used in both formal and informal registers. It is a 'na-adjective' (keiyoudoushi), so it takes 'na' before nouns and 'da/desu' as a predicate. It is neutral in tone, making it safe for professional environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'muzukashii' (difficult). Remember that 'muzukashii' is about the effort required, while 'fukuzatsu' is about the structural nature of the thing itself. Avoid using it for simple tasks.
Tips
Focus on the structure
Think of a tangled knot or a complex machine. When you see many parts working together, use the word 'fukuzatsu'.
Avoid overusing for simple tasks
Do not use 'fukuzatsu' for tasks that are just physically hard. Use 'muzukashii' for effort-based difficulty.
Japanese indirectness
Japanese people often use 'fukuzatsu' to imply that a situation is delicate and requires careful handling without being direct.
Word Origin
The kanji '複' means duplicate or multiple, and '雑' means mixed or miscellaneous. Together, they describe a state where many different things are mixed together in a non-linear way.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, using the word 'fukuzatsu' can sometimes be a way to avoid giving a direct 'no'. If someone says a situation is 'fukuzatsu', it often implies that they are struggling with conflicting social or personal obligations.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Fuku' (clothing) that has many 'Zatsu' (mixed up) threads. A garment with many tangled threads is definitely complex!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「難しい」は主観的に理解や実行が困難なことを指しますが、「複雑」は構造や要素が絡み合っているという客観的な状態を指します。複雑なものは難しいことが多いですが、必ずしもイコールではありません。
はい、よく使われます。「複雑な人間関係」という表現は、利害関係や感情が絡み合っていて単純ではない状況を的確に表します。
反対語は「単純」や「簡単」です。構造がシンプルで理解しやすい状態を指す時に使います。
はい、日常的に使います。機械の操作や、込み入った事情を説明する際に非常に便利な言葉です。
Test Yourself
この機械の構造は非常に___です。
機械の構造が入り組んでいることを表すため、複雑が最適です。
「複雑な事情」とはどのような意味ですか？
複雑は要素が絡み合っている状態を指します。
（問題 / 複雑 / この / は / です）
主語＋述語の正しい語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Complex refers to a situation where many interconnected elements make something difficult to simplify or understand.
- Used when many parts make something hard to understand.
- Describes intricate systems, relationships, or problems.
- Commonly used in both daily and formal conversations.
Focus on the structure
Think of a tangled knot or a complex machine. When you see many parts working together, use the word 'fukuzatsu'.
Avoid overusing for simple tasks
Do not use 'fukuzatsu' for tasks that are just physically hard. Use 'muzukashii' for effort-based difficulty.
Japanese indirectness
Japanese people often use 'fukuzatsu' to imply that a situation is delicate and requires careful handling without being direct.
Examples
4 of 4この問題は非常に複雑だ。
This problem is very complex.
複雑な手続きが必要となります。
Complicated procedures are required.
人間関係って複雑だよね。
Human relationships are complicated, aren't they?
複雑なシステムを分析する。
Analyze a complex system.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
