复杂 (fùzá)

复杂 describes something that has many interrelated parts, is difficult to understand or deal with, and cannot be reduced to simple terms -- complex or complicated.

Meanings

[adjective] complex; complicated; intricate; involved

Example Sentences

人际关系有时非常复杂，难以处理。 Rénjì guānxi yǒushí fēicháng fùzá, nán yǐ chǔlǐ. Interpersonal relationships are sometimes very complicated and difficult to handle.

这个问题比看起来复杂得多。 Zhège wèntí bǐ kàn qǐlái fùzá de duō. This problem is much more complex than it appears.

全球经济形势错综复杂。 Quánqiú jīngjì xíngshì cuòzōng fùzá. The global economic situation is tangled and complex.

修复这台机器需要复杂的技术知识。 Xiūfù zhè tái jīqì xūyào fùzá de jìshù zhīshì. Repairing this machine requires complex technical knowledge.

气候变化背后的原因十分复杂。 Qìhòu biànhuà bèihòu de yuányīn shífēn fùzá. The reasons behind climate change are extremely complex.

他的内心世界非常复杂，外人很难理解。 Tā de nèixīn shìjiè fēicháng fùzá, wàirén hěn nán lǐjiě. His inner world is very complex and difficult for outsiders to understand.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
错综复杂	tangled and complex; intricate
情况复杂	the situation is complicated
复杂问题	complex problem
复杂程度	degree of complexity
非常复杂	very complex / complicated
更加复杂	even more complex

Usage Notes

复杂 is the standard adjective for "complex" or "complicated" in Chinese. 复 means "multiple/repeated" and 杂 means "mixed/disordered," combining to suggest something with many mixed and intertwined elements.

The antonym is 简单 (jiǎndān, simple). A common four-character idiom is 错综复杂 (cuòzōng fùzá), meaning "tangled and complicated," often used to describe intricate situations in politics, economics, or relationships.

Memory Hook

复 means "repeated/many" and 杂 means "mixed up." 复杂 is many things mixed up together -- that is exactly what "complex" or "complicated" means.