complicado
/kom-pli-KAH-doh/
complicated
When something is complicado (complicated), it is difficult to solve or understand, like a tightly tangled mess.
complicado(Adjective)
complicated
?difficult to solve or understand
,difficult
?challenging
complex
?having many parts
,intricate
?detailed structure
📝 In Action
Este problema de matemáticas es muy complicado.
A2This math problem is very complicated.
La instalación del programa fue más complicada de lo que pensaba.
B1The program installation was more complicated than I thought.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement Rule
As an adjective, 'complicado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'un problema complicado' (masculine singular), 'una tarea complicada' (feminine singular), 'los pasos complicados' (masculine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Feminine Form
Mistake: "La situación es complicado."
Correction: La situación es complicada. (The noun 'situación' is feminine, so the adjective must end in -a.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser
Use 'ser' (Es complicado) when describing something that is inherently difficult or complex by nature (like a theory or a machine).
An complicado (awkward/difficult) situation can be a delicate or sensitive moment that requires careful navigation.
complicado(Adjective)
awkward
?a difficult or sensitive moment/situation
,troubled
?describing a person or relationship
tricky
?a delicate situation
📝 In Action
Su relación es un poco complicada; tienen muchos altibajos.
B1Their relationship is a bit troubled (or complicated); they have many ups and downs.
Es una persona complicada, nunca sabes lo que quiere.
B2He is a difficult person; you never know what he wants.
💡 Grammar Points
Ser vs. Estar for Temporary States
While 'ser' (Eres complicado) describes someone's inherent difficult personality, 'estar' (Estás complicado) can describe a temporary state of being overwhelmed or in a tricky situation right now.
⭐ Usage Tips
Softening Criticism
Saying something 'es un poco complicado' (is a little complicated) is a common way to politely say that something is bad or difficult without being too harsh.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: complicado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'complicada'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'difícil' and 'complicado'?
'Difícil' just means 'hard' or 'not easy' (like lifting a heavy box). 'Complicado' means 'hard because it has too many parts or steps' (like solving a multi-step puzzle). They are often interchangeable, but 'complicado' emphasizes complexity.
Does 'complicado' change based on who is speaking?
Yes! Since it is an adjective, it must change its ending (o/a/os/as) to match the gender and number of the noun it is describing, whether that noun is a thing, an idea, or a person.