complicando

Complicando is the gerund form of the verb complicar in Spanish and Portuguese, used to describe an ongoing action of making something more complex or difficult. In both languages, it can express progressive aspect when combined with forms of estar, and it often functions as a modifier in clauses to indicate that the action of complicating is taking place. The related noun forms are complicación in Spanish and complicação in Portuguese.

Etymology traces complicar to Latin complicare, formed from com- “together” and plicare “to fold.” The basic sense evolved from “to fold together” to “to entangle or make something more difficult,” giving the modern meaning of complicate.

In Spanish, complicando appears in phrases such as “La situación se está complicando” or “No quiero seguir complicando las cosas.” It can also serve as an adverbial intensifier in constructions like “y eso está complicando aún más la situación,” meaning “and that is making the situation even more complicated.”

In Portuguese, complicando is used similarly. Brazilian Portuguese examples include “A situação está se complicando” or “Isso está complicando as coisas.” In European Portuguese, the present continuous is often rendered as “A situação está a complicar-se” or “Isso está a complicar as coisas,” though both forms are understood.

Usage notes: complicando is a true gerund and does not by itself denote a completed action. Its meaning depends on context, and it frequently appears in clauses describing progressive development or cause-and-effect sequences. See also: complicar, complicação, gerúndio, and related constructions in both languages.