How to pronounce complicated
Say it like KAHM-pluh-kay-tud. Complicated has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce complicated. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHM
- pluh
- kay
- tud
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Complicated pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- pluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tudKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of complicated
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KOM-plih-kay-tid.
What does complicated mean?
- difficult to analyze or understand“a complicated problem”“complicated Middle East politics”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying complicated
How do you pronounce complicated?
Say KAHM-pluh-kay-tud. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑmpləˌkeɪtəd/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in complicated?
Complicated has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHM). Broken into parts: KAHM · pluh · kay · tud.
Is complicated pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd/ (KOM-plih-kay-tid).