habituellement compliqué

You will mostly use this after the verb être (to be). It acts as a descriptor for a noun. For example, you can say Le trajet est habituellement compliqué (The commute is usually complicated). You can also use it to modify a process or a relationship. It’s a very flexible pair of words that fits into almost any sentence structure where you’d describe a state of being.

This is your go-to phrase for dealing with bureaucracy, technology, or complex social plans. Use it when you want to warn someone that a task won't be a walk in the park. It’s perfect for describing the French administrative system or trying to organize a dinner with ten picky eaters. It sounds natural in both professional settings and casual chats with friends over coffee.

Avoid using this for things that are actually simple but you’re just feeling lazy. If you use it for something basic, like opening a door, people will think you’re being overly dramatic. Also, try not to use it to describe a person's character directly to their face, as it can sound a bit insulting. It’s better suited for situations or processes than for labeling someone's personality.

France is famous for its love of intellectual depth and, unfortunately, its complex bureaucracy. There is a certain cultural acceptance that important things—like law, philosophy, or even a good sauce—take time and effort. Using habituellement compliqué shows you understand that life isn't always a straight line. It’s a very 'French' way of acknowledging that some things are just naturally a bit of a mess.

If you want to spice it up, you can say souvent compliqué (often complicated) or toujours compliqué (always complicated). If you want to sound more formal, you might use généralement complexe. In slang, you might hear people say c'est la galère, which is a much more colorful way of saying something is a nightmare to deal with. But for a clear, neutral description, habituellement compliqué is your best friend.