A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "It's complicated" in Spanish
Use 'Es complicado' to express that a romantic or personal situation is complex and not easily explained.
Es complicado
es kom-pli-KAH-dohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
When someone asks about the status of your relationship or a romantic entanglement, and you don't want to go into detail. It's a good way to signal that there are many factors at play.
Alternatives
- Está complicadoUse this if the situation is currently difficult but might change.
- Es un líoMore informal, like saying 'it's a mess'.
Ways to get it wrong
Complicado vs. Embarrassed
Don't confuse 'complicado' with 'avergonzado' (ashamed or embarrassed).
Gender agreement
If you're referring to a complicated *female* person or situation, you might say 'Es complicada', but 'Es complicado' is the default for a general situation.
A small cultural note
This phrase is widely understood across Latin America and Spain as a polite way to avoid a lengthy or awkward explanation about personal relationships.
Frequently asked
When do I use 'es complicado' vs 'esta complicado'?
'Es complicado' refers to the inherent nature of the situation, while 'está complicado' suggests it's currently in a difficult state. For dating, 'es complicado' is more common for a general status.
How to say 'it's complicated' in Spanish for a relationship?
'Es complicado' is the standard phrase for a complicated relationship status. It implies there are many factors making it hard to define or resolve.
Is 'es complicado' formal or informal?
'Es complicado' is generally neutral and can be used in most social situations. It's not overly formal or slangy.
