Translation guide
The English word 'complication' can refer to a difficulty that makes a situation more complex, or to a secondary medical condition. This guide covers both meanings, with natural Japanese expressions for each.
Express that something has become more difficult or problematic due to an added factor.
Noun meaning 'complication' in the sense of something becoming more complex. Often used with する to mean 'become complicated'.
Refer to an additional health problem that develops because of an existing illness or medical procedure.
複雑化 is used for abstract situations becoming more complex, while 合併症 is strictly a medical term for a secondary illness. Do not use 合併症 for non-medical complications.
The English word 'complication' is often translated as 複雑化, but in casual speech, 面倒 or ややこしいこと may be more natural when referring to a hassle. For medical contexts, always use 合併症.
問題が複雑化した。
The problem became more complicated.
状況の複雑化を避けたい。
I want to avoid complicating the situation.
Noun/na-adjective meaning 'trouble' or 'hassle'. Used when a complication is more of a nuisance than a serious problem.
それは面倒なことになった。
That turned into a hassle.
手続きが面倒だ。
The procedure is a hassle.
Phrase meaning 'complicated matter'. ややこしい is an adjective for something confusingly complex.
話がややこしくなってきた。
The story is getting complicated.
Noun meaning 'obstacle' or 'hindrance'. Used when a complication interferes with plans or progress.
計画に支障が出た。
A complication arose in the plan.
Standard medical term for 'complication' (a secondary disease or condition).
手術後に合併症が起こった。
Complications occurred after the surgery.
糖尿病の合併症に注意が必要だ。
We need to watch out for complications of diabetes.
Less common synonym for 合併症, also meaning a concurrent disease.
インフルエンザの併発症として肺炎がある。
Pneumonia is a complication of influenza.