Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Sophisticated vs complicated

Hey everyone, for today's quick little lesson I'd like to ask you if you know the difference between these two adjectives?

complicated 複雑 (ふくざつ)

This generally has a NEGATIVE kind of feeling. It means something is too complex, it isn't simple and so is a little annoying. When talking about machines or tools, it means it isn't easy to use OR that it has many small moving parts working together (like and old-style clock's gears).

My job's too complicated.

Our relationship's complicated.

The new photocopier at my office's complicated. It always takes me 10 minutes to
make a simple photocopy!

sophisticated
貴やか (あてやか), 粋 (いき; すい)

This generally has a POSITIVE feeling. It means something is advanced or worldly. When talking about machines it means that it is the latest technology, really high tech. The Japanese translations I found seem to be used to talk about people but sophisticated in English is a bit broader and can also be used to talk about things.

Our electric cars are extremely sophisticated.

He's a sophisticated man.

Any questions? Have a nice week!

Phil

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