Inklingo

How to Say "tricky" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tricky” is “difícil” — use this when describing something that requires a lot of effort, skill, or is generally hard to do or understand.

difícil🔊B1

Use this when describing something that requires a lot of effort, skill, or is generally hard to do or understand.

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complicado🔊B1

Choose this for situations or relationships that are complex, have many interconnected parts, and are not straightforward.

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delicado🔊B1

Use this when referring to a situation or person that is sensitive, requires careful handling, or is in a fragile state, often related to health or emotions.

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engañoso🔊B1

Employ this when something appears simple or straightforward but is actually misleading or harder than it seems.

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jodido🔊B2

This informal term is used for a very difficult or problematic situation or task, often expressing frustration.

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peludo🔊B2

Use this informal term to describe something that is particularly hard to solve or deal with, similar to 'tough' or 'tricky'.

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difíciles🔊A1

This is the plural form of 'difícil', used when referring to multiple things that are hard or complex.

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English → Spanish
adjectiveB1general
Use this when describing something that requires a lot of effort, skill, or is generally hard to do or understand.

Examples

El examen de matemáticas fue muy difícil.

The math exam was very difficult.

complicado

kom-pli-KAH-dohkompliˈkaðo

adjectiveB1general
Choose this for situations or relationships that are complex, have many interconnected parts, and are not straightforward.
A small, nervous character cautiously attempting to walk across a very narrow, wobbly plank bridge suspended high over a deep canyon.

Examples

Su relación es un poco complicada; tienen muchos altibajos.

Their relationship is a bit troubled (or complicated); they have many ups and downs.

Es una persona complicada, nunca sabes lo que quiere.

He is a difficult person; you never know what he wants.

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.

delicado

deh-lee-KAH-dohdeliˈkaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to a situation or person that is sensitive, requires careful handling, or is in a fragile state, often related to health or emotions.
A small figure cautiously walking on a very narrow, winding ice path suspended high above a dark chasm, representing a tricky or sensitive situation.

Examples

Mi tío está delicado de salud desde la operación.

My uncle has been in poor health since the operation.

Tuvimos que manejar el tema con mucho tacto porque era una cuestión delicada.

We had to handle the topic with great care because it was a sensitive issue.

Describing Health

When talking about someone's health, use the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) with 'delicado' to mean they are currently ill or frail: 'Ella está delicada'.

Using 'Ser' for Temporary Health

Mistake: “Mi abuelo es delicado de salud.”

Correction: Mi abuelo está delicado de salud. ('Ser' implies a permanent trait; 'estar' implies a current state.)

engañoso

en-gahn-YOH-soheŋɡaˈɲoso

adjectiveB1general
Employ this when something appears simple or straightforward but is actually misleading or harder than it seems.
A colorful storybook illustration of a shiny, bright red apple that, when turned slightly, reveals a hidden wormhole on the other side.

Examples

Las apariencias son engañosas.

Appearances are deceptive.

Ese anuncio de internet es muy engañoso.

That internet ad is very misleading.

El examen tenía varias preguntas engañosas.

The exam had several tricky questions.

Changing the Ending

Since this word is an adjective, you must change the 'o' to an 'a' if you are describing something feminine (e.g., 'la publicidad engañosa').

Word Order

In Spanish, you usually place this word after the person or thing you are describing, like 'un precio engañoso' (a misleading price).

The 'Deceptive' False Friend

Mistake: “Using 'deceptivo' to mean misleading.”

Correction: Always use 'engañoso'. 'Deceptivo' is not a real word in Spanish, even though it sounds like the English word 'deceptive'!

jodido

ho-DEE-dohxoˈðiðo

adjectiveB2informal
This informal term is used for a very difficult or problematic situation or task, often expressing frustration.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small person standing at the base of a very tall, steep, rocky mountain.

Examples

El examen de matemáticas estuvo muy jodido.

The math exam was really tough.

Es una situación jodida, no sé qué decirte.

It's a tricky situation, I don't know what to tell you.

Ese cliente es muy jodido de convencer.

That client is very difficult to convince.

Using with 'Ser'

When you use this word with 'ser,' you are describing an inherent quality, like a person who is always difficult to deal with or a task that is naturally hard.

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: “Saying 'El examen está jodido'.”

Correction: Say 'El examen fue/es jodido' because the difficulty is a characteristic of the test itself.

peludo

peh-LOO-dohpeˈluðo

adjectiveB2informal
Use this informal term to describe something that is particularly hard to solve or deal with, similar to 'tough' or 'tricky'.
A small character looking at a massive, tangled knot of thick rope that is taller than they are.

Examples

El examen de matemáticas estuvo bien peludo.

The math exam was really difficult.

La situación se puso peluda cuando llegó la policía.

The situation got hairy when the police arrived.

Está peludo terminar este trabajo para mañana.

It's going to be tough to finish this work by tomorrow.

Using 'Estar' vs 'Ser'

Use 'estar peludo' when a situation is currently difficult. Use 'ser peludo' if something is inherently difficult by nature.

Context Matters

Mistake: “Mi jefe es peludo.”

difíciles

dee-FEE-see-lessdiˈfiθiles

adjectiveA1general
This is the plural form of 'difícil', used when referring to multiple things that are hard or complex.
Three brightly colored, complexly shaped puzzle pieces scattered on a flat surface. They clearly do not fit together, symbolizing multiple difficult tasks or problems.

Examples

Los exámenes de historia siempre son muy difíciles.

History exams are always very difficult.

Estas decisiones son difíciles de tomar, pero necesarias.

These decisions are hard to make, but necessary.

Hemos superado momentos difíciles en el pasado.

We have overcome difficult moments in the past.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the adjective 'difícil'. It is used to describe two or more things or people that are hard or complex.

Agreement is Key

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'difíciles' must match the noun it describes in number. If you are talking about 'one difficult test' (un examen difícil), you drop the '-es'.

The Accent Mark

Notice the accent mark on the 'i' (difíciles). This ensures the stress falls on the correct syllable. Don't leave it out!

Forgetting Plural Agreement

Mistake: “Los temas es difícil.”

Correction: Los temas son difíciles. (The topics are difficult.) Remember the adjective and the verb must agree with the plural subject.

Misplacing the Accent

Mistake: “dificiles”

Correction: difíciles. The accent is necessary for correct pronunciation.

General vs. Specific Difficulty

Learners often confuse 'difícil' (general difficulty) with 'complicado' (complexity) or 'delicado' (sensitivity). Use 'difícil' for tasks or problems that are hard to accomplish, 'complicado' for intricate situations with many parts, and 'delicado' for sensitive matters needing careful handling.

Related Translations

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