complicado
“complicado” means “complicated” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
complicated, difficult
Also: complex, intricate
📝 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.
awkward, troubled
Also: tricky
📝 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.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "complicado" in Spanish:
awkward→complex→complicated→difficult→intricate→tricky→troubled→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: complicado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'complicada'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *complicare*, which literally meant 'to fold together' or 'to roll up.' Over time, this idea of folding things together came to mean something having many layers or parts, leading to the modern meaning of 'difficult' or 'complex.'
First recorded: Late Middle Ages
Cognates (Related words)
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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.