complejo
“complejo” means “complex” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
complex, complicated
Also: intricate
📝 In Action
Resolver este problema matemático es muy complejo.
A2Solving this math problem is very complex.
La situación política se ha vuelto más compleja en las últimas semanas.
B1The political situation has become more complicated in recent weeks.
Ella tiene una personalidad compleja, nunca sabes lo que piensa.
B2She has a complex personality, you never know what she's thinking.
complex, compound
Also: center
📝 In Action
El complejo deportivo tiene una piscina olímpica y varias canchas de tenis.
B1The sports complex has an Olympic pool and several tennis courts.
Vamos a construir un complejo residencial cerca del río.
B2We are going to build a residential complex near the river.
complex
Also: hang-up
📝 In Action
Tiene un complejo de inferioridad porque siempre se compara con su hermano.
B2He has an inferiority complex because he always compares himself to his brother.
Ella no quiere cantar porque tiene complejo con su voz.
C1She doesn't want to sing because she has a hang-up about her voice.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "complejo" in Spanish:
center→complex→complicated→compound→hang-up→intricate→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: complejo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'complejo' to describe a psychological issue?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *complexus*, which means 'entwined' or 'embraced.' It literally describes something woven together from many strands, which is why it means both 'complicated' and 'a collection of related parts.'
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'complejo' always negative?
Not necessarily! While it often describes a difficult problem or a psychological hang-up, it can also be used neutrally to describe something intricate or well-developed, like 'un diseño complejo' (a complex design).
How is the noun 'complejo' (complex of buildings) different from the noun 'complejidad' (complexity)?
'El complejo' refers to a physical place or a psychological issue (a thing). 'La complejidad' is the abstract quality of being complex—the state of having many difficult parts.