Translation guide
The English word 'adamant' describes someone who is unshakable in their opinion or refusal to change their mind. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that convey firmness, stubbornness, or an unwillingness to compromise. The best choice depends on whether you want to sound neutral, negative, or polite.
To say that someone is determined and will not be persuaded otherwise, often in a neutral or slightly positive sense.
An adverb meaning 'firmly' or 'resolutely'. Often used with verbs like 主張する (to insist) or 拒否する (to refuse). It conveys a strong, principled stance without necessarily being negative.
彼は断固として自分の意見を主張した。
He adamantly insisted on his opinion.
A na-adjective meaning 'stubborn'. It often carries a negative nuance of being obstinate, but can be used neutrally depending on context. Use with caution as it may sound critical.
Can sound negative; avoid when you want to praise someone's determination.
彼は頑固だから、説得するのは難しい。
He is adamant, so it's hard to persuade him.
A pattern meaning 'no matter what, not...'. It emphasizes an adamant refusal. The ～ is replaced by a negative verb form.
彼はどうしてもその計画に賛成しなかった。
He was adamant about not agreeing to the plan.
The negative form of 譲る (to yield). It means 'will not give in' or 'will not budge'. Often used in the phrase 一歩も譲らない (won't give an inch).
彼女は自分の立場を一歩も譲らなかった。
She was adamant and didn't budge an inch from her position.
To emphasize that someone is forcefully asserting a demand or condition.
A verb phrase meaning 'to strongly insist'. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼は会議で予算の増額を強く主張した。
He adamantly insisted on a budget increase at the meeting.
A verb meaning 'to insist' or 'to assert stubbornly'. It often implies that the person is sticking to their statement despite opposition, and can sound slightly negative.
彼は自分が正しいと言い張った。
He was adamant that he was right.
A pattern meaning 'no matter what, I want to...'. It expresses an adamant desire to do something. The ～ is replaced by the masu-stem of a verb + たい.
彼はどうしてもその車を買いたかった。
He was adamant about wanting to buy that car.
To convey that someone is unwavering in their decision, often in a formal or polite context.
Literally 'not change one's thinking'. A straightforward way to say someone is adamant about their decision.
彼は辞職するという考えを変えなかった。
He was adamant about resigning and didn't change his mind.
A phrase meaning 'strong-willed' or 'determined'. It has a positive connotation of resolve.
彼女は意志が固く、誰にも止められなかった。
She was adamant and couldn't be stopped by anyone.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'adamant'. Using a dictionary translation like 断固とした (danko to shita) as an adjective may sound unnatural in casual speech. Instead, use the adverbial form 断固として or choose a more context-appropriate expression.
頑固 (ganko) often implies stubbornness in a negative way, like being obstinate or inflexible. 意志が固い (ishi ga katai) is more positive, suggesting strong will and determination. Choose based on whether you want to criticize or praise.