Translation guide
The English word "intricate" describes something with many complex, detailed parts that fit together in a complicated way. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on what is being described: physical objects, abstract systems, or artistic details.
Describing something that has many small, interconnected parts or details, making it complex.
The most common and versatile word for 'complex' or 'intricate'. It can describe physical objects, systems, relationships, or situations. It emphasizes the difficulty of understanding or dealing with the complexity.
この機械の内部構造はとても複雑だ。
The internal structure of this machine is very intricate.
彼の説明は複雑で理解しにくかった。
His explanation was intricate and hard to understand.
Literally 'tangled' or 'complicatedly intertwined'. Often used for physical layouts, streets, plots, or relationships that are convoluted and hard to navigate or unravel.
入り組んだ路地で迷ってしまった。
I got lost in the intricate alleyways.
事件の背景には入り組んだ人間関係があった。
There were intricate human relationships behind the incident.
Similar to 入り組んだ, but often implies a messy or overly detailed complexity, like a complicated procedure or a tangled story.
込み入った手続きが必要だ。
Intricate procedures are required.
話が込み入ってきた。
The story has become intricate.
Describing something with fine, precise, and often beautiful details, like artwork, patterns, or craftsmanship.
Means 'exquisite' or 'elaborate', emphasizing fine craftsmanship and precision. Commonly used for mechanical devices, models, or detailed artwork.
この時計は精巧な細工が施されている。
This watch has intricate workmanship.
精巧なミニチュア模型に感動した。
I was impressed by the intricate miniature model.
Means 'meticulous' or 'minutely detailed'. Often used for plans, calculations, or artwork that shows great attention to detail.
緻密な模様が描かれた陶器だ。
It's pottery painted with an intricate pattern.
彼の緻密な計画には驚かされる。
I'm amazed by his intricate planning.
A very common word meaning 'fine' or 'detailed'. It can be used for intricate work, but it's more general and less emphatic than 精巧 or 緻密.
Describing stories, schemes, or relationships that are convoluted and hard to follow.
Again, the most versatile choice. Works perfectly for intricate plots or relationships.
その小説は複雑な筋書きだ。
The novel has an intricate plot.
Emphasizes the tangled, intertwined nature of the complexity.
入り組んだ陰謀が明らかになった。
An intricate conspiracy was revealed.
A more formal, literary term meaning 'complicated' or 'intricate', often used for complex situations or information.
錯綜した情報を整理する。
To sort out intricate information.
複雑 (fukuzatsu) is the most general and can be used for almost any kind of complexity. 入り組んだ (irikunda) specifically implies physical or metaphorical intertwining, like tangled threads or convoluted plots. 込み入った (komiitta) often suggests a messy, overly detailed complexity that is bothersome.
While 複雑 can mean intricate, it often carries a nuance of 'difficult' or 'problematic'. For intricate beauty or craftsmanship, 精巧 (seikou) or 緻密 (chimitsu) are much better choices.
細かい刺繍が美しい。
The intricate embroidery is beautiful.