Translation guide
Expresses the idea of being stubborn, obstinate, or unwilling to change one's mind or behavior. Japanese has several common adjectives, verbs, and phrases that convey stubbornness, ranging from neutral descriptions to negative judgments.
Describing someone who is generally stubborn or obstinate by nature.
The most common and direct adjective meaning 'stubborn'. Can be used for people, attitudes, or things like stains.
He is stubborn, so it's hard to persuade him.
Describes someone who is stubborn out of pride or a desire to have their own way, often in a childish or petty manner.
She is stubborn and won't admit her mistakes.
Means 'obstinate' or 'headstrong', often with a nuance of being unreasonably stubborn.
That child is obstinate; once they say something, they won't listen.
A less common term for stubbornness, implying a one-sided, inflexible attitude.
I'm at my wits' end with his stubborn attitude.
Describing someone who is being stubborn or refusing to budge on a particular issue.
Literally 'to stick to one's will', meaning to be stubborn or obstinate, often out of pride.
He stubbornly refused to apologize.
Means to insist on one's own way, to be self-assertive to the point of stubbornness.
A set phrase meaning 'stubbornly refuses to listen' or 'won't budge an inch'.
Describes stubborn, childish behavior like throwing a tantrum or being petulant. Often used for children, but can be used for adults acting childishly.
Describing a stubborn persistence that can be positive (determination) or negative (pig-headedness).
Describing something that is stubborn in the sense of being difficult to remove or solve.
頑固 is the most general and neutral term for stubbornness. 意地っ張り implies a childish or petty stubbornness driven by pride. 強情 suggests an unreasonable, headstrong obstinacy. In many contexts, 頑固 is the safest choice.
Avoid directly translating 'be stubborn' as 頑固である in casual speech; the adjective 頑固だ is more natural. Also, using 頑固 as a noun (頑固者) is possible but less common than the adjectival form.
He is too stubborn to apologize.
会議で彼は我を張って譲らなかった。
He stubbornly insisted on his own way in the meeting and wouldn't give in.
He stubbornly refused to listen to that proposal.
The child is being stubborn, whining for candy.
Means tenacious or persistent, but with a positive nuance of not giving up easily. 'Stubborn' in a good way.
She stubbornly (tenaciously) continued the negotiations.
Means deeply tenacious or stubborn, often with a nuance of holding a grudge or being vengefully persistent.
He stubbornly waited for an opportunity for revenge.