错综复杂

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: cuò zōng fù zá
• English Translation: Intricate and complicated; tangled and complex
• Idiom Composition: 「错」（Intertwined, interlaced）＋「综」（To gather together, to synthesize）＋「复」（To overlap, to repeat）＋「杂」（Mixed, diverse）
• Meaning: Describes a state where things are intricately intertwined and entangled, resulting in a highly complex situation. It often refers to circumstances, relationships, or problems that are multifaceted and difficult to understand or resolve.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「错综复杂」 contains the following nuances:

• Multilayered nature: Indicates that the structure is not simple but involves multiple intertwined elements.
• Complexity: Represents a state that is difficult to understand or organize.
• Confusion: Suggests a situation lacking order and characterized by confusion.
• Multiple aspects: Means that various aspects and factors are involved.

3. Usage

「错综复杂」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing situations: Used to objectively describe complex situations or problems.
  • Example:「这个案件的情节错综复杂，需要仔细调查才能理清。」
    （The details of this case are intricate and complicated, requiring careful investigation to clarify.）
• Describing relationships: Expresses that relationships between people or organizations are complex.
  • Example:「他们之间的关系错综复杂，外人很难理解。」
    （The relationships between them are intricately intertwined and difficult for outsiders to understand.）
• Pointing out problems: Used to point out problems or issues that are difficult to resolve.
  • Example:「面对错综复杂的国际形势，我们需要冷静分析，做出正确的决策。」
    （Facing the intricate and complicated international situation, we need to analyze calmly and make the right decisions.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这个项目的进展因为多方利益的牵扯而变得错综复杂。
   （The progress of this project has become intricate and complicated due to the involvement of multiple interests.）
2. 城市交通网络错综复杂，新来的司机很容易迷路。
   （The city's traffic network is intricately complex, making it easy for new drivers to get lost.）
3. 历史事件背后的原因往往是错综复杂的，不能简单地归结为某一个因素。
   （The causes behind historical events are often intricate and complicated, and cannot be simply attributed to a single factor.）
4. 这本小说的情节设计得错综复杂，引人入胜。
   （The plot of this novel is designed to be intricately complex, captivating the readers.）
5. 大都市的人际关系网错综复杂，初来乍到的人很难融入。
   （The social networks in big cities are intricately complicated, making it hard for newcomers to fit in.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Expressions of complexity in Chinese: In Chinese, words like 'multilayered', 'multifaceted', and 'multidimensional' are often used to describe complex situations. '错综复杂' is one such expression, emphasizing that things are not caused by a single factor or aspect but involve many intertwined elements.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 纷繁复杂 (fēn fán fù zá): To be intricate and complicated.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 简单明了 (jiǎn dān míng liǎo): Simple and clear.
  • 一目了然 (yí mù liǎo rán): Obvious at a glance.

6. Summary

'错综复杂' is an idiom that accurately expresses complex situations that can occur in various aspects of modern society. Using this term emphasizes the seriousness of problems and the difficulty of resolving them. It also adds depth to conversations and writing as a distinctly Chinese expression.