Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
复杂(複雜)fùzá(fu4za2)
复杂 (fu4 za2) refers to something that is complicated or complex, often involving multiple interconnected parts or ideas. It can describe situations, problems, or even feelings that are not straightforward. Commonly used in both academic and everyday contexts, it suggests a level of intricacy that requires careful consideration or analysis.
Frequency#1517DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 复杂 can reflect the intricate nature of relationships and social dynamics, where interactions are often multilayered and context-dependent. This complexity is sometimes viewed positively, as a sign of depth and richness in social life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'fuzzy' (fu) maze that is 'zany' (za) with twists and turns. The more twists and turns there are in a maze, the more complex and complicated it becomes, just like the character 复杂, which combines the idea of being intricate with its pronunciation.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 复杂
Quick Contrast
复杂 (fùzá) vs 繁琐 (fánsuǒ) — use 复杂 for intricate systems or ideas, while 繁琐 emphasizes excessive detail and tediousness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'fuzzy' (fu) maze that is 'zany' (za) with twists and turns. The more twists and turns there are in a maze, the more complex and complicated it becomes, just like the character 复杂, which combines the idea of being intricate with its pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 复杂 with 简单 (jiǎn dān), which means simple. 复杂 is often used in formal discussions, such as in academic writing or technical conversations. Common collocations include 复杂的问题 (complex problem) and 复杂的关系 (complicated relationship).
HSK Study Tips
As HSK Level 4 vocabulary, 复杂 connects to other words describing conditions or states, such as 简单 (simple) and 明确 (clear). Students should focus on using it in context, especially in discussions about topics that require detailed explanations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 复杂 can reflect the intricate nature of relationships and social dynamics, where interactions are often multilayered and context-dependent. This complexity is sometimes viewed positively, as a sign of depth and richness in social life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 复杂 in contexts where 简单 (simple) would be more appropriate, such as saying '这件事情很复杂' (This matter is very complex) when it is actually straightforward. Always assess the context before choosing the word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 复杂
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 复杂 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 复杂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 复杂
复杂 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
mì fēng zhī jiān suǒ yòng de jiāo liú fāng shì shì kūn chóng zhōng zuì wéi fù zá de fāng shì zhī yī。
Honeybees use one of the most sophisticated communication systems of any insect.
3
这篇课文把相当复杂的主题讲述得深入浅出、通俗易懂。
zhè piān kè wén bǎ xiāng dāng fù zá de zhǔ tí jiǎng shù dé shēn rù qiǎn chū、 、 tōng sú yì。
The text is approachable, coping well with quite complicated subjects.
4
一场严重的森林大火的蔓延使得形势更加复杂。
yī cháng yán zhòng de sēn lín dà huǒ de màn yán shǐ dé xíng shì gēng jiā fù zá。
The situation was complicated by the spread of a serious forest fire.
5
这是个复杂的体系，不过确实有所改变。
zhè shì gè fù zá de tǐ xì， ， bù guò què shí yǒu suǒ gǎi。
It is a complex system, but it certainly makes a change.
6
但是整个援助问题是个非常复杂的政治问题。
dàn shì zhěng gè yuán zhù wèn tí shì gè fēi cháng fù zá de zhèng zhì wèn tí。
But the whole question of aid is a tricky political one.
7
那故事错综复杂的离奇情节
nà gù shì cuò zōng fù zá de lí qí qíng jié
the bizarre convolutions of the story
8
这家机构把它那复杂累赘的名称改得好记一些了。
zhè jiā jī gòu bǎ tā nà fù zá léi zhuì de míng chēng gǎi dé hǎo jì yī xiē le。
The organization changed its cumbersome title to something easier to remember.
9
虽然地税在细节上复杂得要命，但在本质上却很简单。
suī rán dì shuì zài xì jié shàng fù zá dé yào mìng， ， dàn zài běn zhì shàng què hěn jiǎn。
Though off-puttingly complicated in detail, local taxes are in essence simple.
10
原因很复杂，既有地方性冲突也有全国范围的紧张局势。
yuán yīn hěn fù zá， ， jì yǒu dì fāng xìng chōng tū yě yǒu quán guó fàn wéi de jǐn zhāng jú。
The causes are a complex blend of local and national tensions.
Cultural Notes for 复杂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 复杂 can reflect the intricate nature of relationships and social dynamics, where interactions are often multilayered and context-dependent. This complexity is sometimes viewed positively, as a sign of depth and richness in social life.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, complexity is often seen as a challenge to be simplified, whereas in Chinese culture, it may be embraced as an inherent part of life and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 复杂
You can say, '这个问题很复杂' (This problem is very complicated).
复杂 is mostly used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions or professional environments.
Yes, you can say, '我的感情很复杂' (My feelings are very complicated).
