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错综复杂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
错综复杂cuòzōngfùzátangled and complicated (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 39 strokes, rank #25344, Very Hard
cuòzōngfùzá(cuo4zong1fu4za2)cuo zong fu za T4
  1. 1tangled and complicated (idiom)
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March 24, 2026

错综复杂(錯綜複雜)cuòzōngfùzá(cuo4zong1fu4za2)

The idiom 错综复杂 (cuo4 zong1 fu4 za2) describes a situation that is tangled and complicated, often involving multiple intertwined elements or factors. It is commonly used to depict complex relationships or intricate problems that are difficult to unravel.

Strokes39Frequency#25344DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese society, relationships and social dynamics can often be intricate and multilayered, making this idiom relevant in discussing social interactions, business negotiations, and family ties.

Memory tip

Imagine a huge ball of yarn that is all tangled up. As you try to untangle it, you realize there are knots and loops (错综) within it that make it more complex (复杂) to deal with. The pronunciation 'cuo' sounds like 'tangle,' which aligns with the meaning of disorder.

Meanings of 错综复杂

cuòzōngfùzá(cuo4zong1fu4za2)
1tangled and complicated (idiom)
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About 错综复杂

错综复杂Simplified
錯綜複雜Traditional
39Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 错综复杂

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AI Study Notes for 错综复杂

Quick Contrast

错综 (cuòzōng) vs 复杂 (fùzá) — use 错综 when emphasizing the entangled nature of elements, while 复杂 focuses more on the overall complexity.

Usage Notes

This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, often when discussing issues in relationships, politics, or systems. Common collocations include '情况错综复杂' (the situation is complicated). Be cautious with the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom may not be explicitly listed in HSK levels, its components include common characters. Students should focus on understanding how '错' (mistake), '综' (to compile), '复杂' (complex) contribute to the overall meaning, enhancing their comprehension of compound phrases.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the order of the characters, mistakenly saying 复杂错综 instead of 错综复杂. Additionally, they might mispronounce the tones, saying 'cuo1 zong1 fu4 za2' instead of the correct 'cuo4 zong1 fu4 za2'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 错综复杂

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Component Characters

错cuòmistake
HSK 213 strokes钅
View full entry
综zèngheddle (device to form warp in weaving textiles)
11 strokes纟
View full entry
复fùto go and return
HSK 29 strokes夊
View full entry
杂zámixed
HSK 66 strokes木
View full entry

How to say tangled and complicated (idiom) in Chinese

“tangled and complicated (idiom)” in Chinese is错综复杂cuòzōngfùzá

The idiom 错综复杂 (cuo4 zong1 fu4 za2) describes a situation that is tangled and complicated, often involving multiple intertwined elements or factors. It is commonly used to depict complex relationships or intricate problems that are difficult to unravel.

When to use 错综复杂

This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, often when discussing issues in relationships, politics, or systems. Common collocations include '情况错综复杂' (the situation is complicated). Be cautious with the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning.

错综复杂 or something close to it

错综 (cuòzōng) vs 复杂 (fùzá) — use 错综 when emphasizing the entangled nature of elements, while 复杂 focuses more on the overall complexity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the order of the characters, mistakenly saying 复杂错综 instead of 错综复杂. Additionally, they might mispronounce the tones, saying 'cuo1 zong1 fu4 za2' instead of the correct 'cuo4 zong1 fu4 za2'.

Write 错综复杂

错
综
复
杂

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Frequently Asked Questions about 错综复杂

Yes, it's appropriate in both formal discussions and casual conversations when describing complex situations.

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