Inklingo

How to Say "intricate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

complicado

/kom-pli-KAH-doh//kompliˈkaðo/

AdjectiveA2general
Use 'complicado' when referring to something that is intricate because it has many detailed parts or steps, making it difficult to understand, do, or follow.
A tightly tangled ball of brightly colored yarn, knotted so densely that it is impossible to find any loose ends.

Examples

Este problema de matemáticas es muy complicado.

This math problem is very complicated.

La instalación del programa fue más complicada de lo que pensaba.

The program installation was more complicated than I thought.

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).

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.)

complejo

/kom-PLE-ho//komˈplexo/

AdjectiveA2general
Use 'complejo' when describing a system, design, or idea that is intricate due to its many interconnected or interdependent parts, often implying a sophisticated structure.
A close-up view of a large, multicolored ball of yarn hopelessly tangled and knotted, making it look impossible to unravel.

Examples

Resolver este problema matemático es muy complejo.

Solving this math problem is very complex.

La situación política se ha vuelto más compleja en las últimas semanas.

The political situation has become more complicated in recent weeks.

Ella tiene una personalidad compleja, nunca sabes lo que piensa.

She has a complex personality, you never know what she's thinking.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'complejo' must match the thing it describes. If the thing is feminine (like 'situación'), it becomes 'compleja'. If it's plural (like 'problemas'), it becomes 'complejos'.

Confusing Complexity and Difficulty

Mistake: “Using 'difícil' when you really mean 'complejo'.”

Correction: 'Difícil' just means 'hard to do'. 'Complejo' means 'made of many parts'. While complex things are often difficult, use 'complejo' when you want to emphasize the structure.

Complicado vs. Complejo Nuances

Learners often confuse 'complicado' and 'complejo' because both can mean 'difficult'. Remember that 'complicado' often emphasizes the difficulty arising from many details or steps, while 'complejo' highlights the sophistication of interconnected parts in a system or design.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.