Inklingo

How to Say "complications" in Spanish

English → Spanish

complicaciones

kom-plee-kah-SYOH-ness/komplikaˈsjones/

nounB1/B2general
Use this word for unforeseen problems that arise during a plan, project, or journey, or for medical issues that develop during an illness.
A person on a bicycle encountering a large pile of tangled ropes blocking a path.

Examples

El proyecto se retrasó debido a varias complicaciones inesperadas.

The project was delayed due to several unexpected complications.

Hubo algunas complicaciones de último minuto con el viaje.

There were some last-minute complications with the trip.

Queremos un proceso sencillo, sin complicaciones.

We want a simple process, without complications.

El paciente se recuperó pronto y no tuvo complicaciones.

The patient recovered quickly and had no complications.

Plural and Gender

This is the plural form of 'complicación'. Because it ends in '-ción' in its singular form, it is a feminine word. You should always use it with 'las', 'unas', or feminine adjectives like 'muchas'.

Spelling the Plural

Mistake: “complicaciónes”

Correction: complicaciones. In Spanish, words ending in '-ción' lose their accent mark when they become plural.

líos

nounA2informal
Choose this word when referring to messy, tangled, or troublesome situations that are often unexpected and difficult to resolve.

Examples

Perdí mi pasaporte y ahora estoy en un lío tremendo.

I lost my passport and now I'm in a huge mess/trouble.

vueltas

BWEL-tahs/bwel.tas/

nounC1general
Use this word to describe unnecessary complexity or overthinking, often when a situation is simpler than it's being made out to be.
A person sitting calmly at a small table, resting their chin on their hand, looking thoughtful and contemplative.

Examples

No le des tantas vueltas a esta decisión; es bastante sencilla.

Don't overthink this decision so much; it's quite simple.

No le des tantas vueltas al asunto; es muy simple.

Don't overthink the matter so much; it's very simple.

El político se anda con muchas vueltas y nunca dice la verdad.

The politician beats around the bush a lot and never tells the truth.

Mental 'Dar'

When used figuratively, 'darle vueltas' means your mind is repeatedly going over an idea, similar to how a physical object spins.

Confusing General Problems with Messy Situations

Learners often use 'complicaciones' for any difficulty, but 'líos' is better for informal, messy, or troublesome situations. Reserve 'complicaciones' for more formal or technical contexts like projects or health.

Related Translations

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