B1 adjective Neutral

复杂

/fu⁵¹ tsa³⁵/

Involving a lot of different but related parts; difficult to understand. Used to describe issues, systems, or tasks in IELTS.

Examples

3 of 5
1

这个机器的构造非常复杂。

The structure of this machine is very complex.

2

社会关系是一个复杂的系统。

Social relations are a complex system.

3

别把事情想得太复杂。

Don't think too complexly about things.

Word Family

Noun
复杂性
Verb
复杂化
Adjective
复杂
💡

Memory Tip

复 (multiple/repeat) + 杂 (mixed) = multiple things mixed together.

Quick Quiz

我们要用简单的方法处理___的问题。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 复杂

Examples

1

这个机器的构造非常复杂。

everyday

The structure of this machine is very complex.

2

社会关系是一个复杂的系统。

academic

Social relations are a complex system.

3

别把事情想得太复杂。

informal

Don't think too complexly about things.

4

合同的条款非常复杂。

business

The terms of the contract are very complex.

5

现代社会的经济形势十分复杂。

formal

The economic situation of modern society is very complex.

Word Family

Noun
复杂性
Verb
复杂化
Adjective
复杂

Common Collocations

情况复杂 complex situation
复杂结构 complex structure
关系复杂 complex relationship
极其复杂 extremely complex
复杂化 to complicate

Common Phrases

复杂多变

complex and ever-changing

心情复杂

mixed feelings

复杂程度

degree of complexity

Often Confused With

复杂 vs 困难

'复杂' means something has many parts/layers, while '困难' simply means it is hard to do.

📝

Usage Notes

Frequently used to describe social problems or scientific phenomena.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid overusing it; if something is just 'hard', use '难'.

💡

Memory Tip

复 (multiple/repeat) + 杂 (mixed) = multiple things mixed together.

📖

Word Origin

Composed of 'multiple' and 'mixed/various'.

Grammar Patterns

十分/非常/及其 + 复杂 使...复杂化

Quick Quiz

我们要用简单的方法处理___的问题。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 复杂

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