Translation guide
The English word "complex" can refer to a group of buildings, a psychological issue, or something complicated. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing something that has many interconnected parts and is difficult to understand or deal with.
Referring to a group of buildings or a large facility with multiple parts, such as a shopping center, sports complex, or apartment complex.
The standard term for a multi-purpose complex or combined facility (e.g., shopping mall with offices and residences).
新しい複合施設が駅前にできた。
A new complex was built in front of the station.
Referring to a mental or emotional issue, such as an inferiority complex or Oedipus complex.
The English word 'complex' is sometimes translated directly as コンプレックス, but this usually means a psychological complex. For 'complicated', use 複雑 (ふくざつ) or ややこしい.
複雑 is neutral and can be used in formal and written contexts. ややこしい is casual and often implies something is annoyingly complicated or confusing. Avoid ややこしい in formal writing.
The most common and versatile word for 'complex' in the sense of complicated, intricate, or convoluted. Used for abstract concepts, systems, relationships, etc.
この問題はとても複雑だ。
This problem is very complex.
複雑な手続きが必要です。
Complex procedures are required.
A more casual, spoken word meaning complicated, confusing, or troublesome. Often used for situations or explanations that are hard to follow.
話がややこしくなってきた。
The story is getting complex.
Means intricate or involved, often used for detailed matters, procedures, or circumstances. Slightly formal or written.
込み入った事情がある。
There are complex circumstances.
Specifically refers to a housing complex or apartment block, often publicly built. Not used for commercial complexes.
この団地には500世帯が住んでいる。
500 households live in this housing complex.
A loanword from English, sometimes used in names of commercial or entertainment complexes (e.g., 'スポーツコンプレックス'). Not as common as 複合施設.
あのスポーツコンプレックスにはプールもある。
That sports complex also has a pool.
The standard loanword for psychological complex. Often shortened to コンプ in casual speech.
彼は身長にコンプレックスを持っている。
He has a complex about his height.
Specifically means 'inferiority complex' or feeling of inferiority. More precise than コンプレックス when referring to inferiority.
彼女は学歴に劣等感を抱いている。
She has an inferiority complex about her educational background.