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.
彼は頑固だから、説得するのは難しい。
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.
彼女は意地っ張りで、自分の間違いを認めようとしない。
She is stubborn and won't admit her mistakes.
Means 'obstinate' or 'headstrong', often with a nuance of being unreasonably stubborn.
あの子は強情で、一度言い出したら聞かない。
That child is obstinate; once they say something, they won't listen.
A less common term for stubbornness, implying a one-sided, inflexible attitude.
彼の片意地な態度には手を焼く。
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.
彼は意地を張って謝らなかった。
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'.
彼は頑としてその提案を聞かなかった。
He stubbornly refused to listen to that proposal.
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).
Means persistent, insistent, or stubbornly repetitive, often with a negative nuance of being annoying or not knowing when to stop.
彼の質問はしつこい。
His questions are persistent/stubborn.
Describing something that is stubborn in the sense of being difficult to remove or solve.
Also used for stains, smells, or problems that are stubborn and won't go away easily.
この汚れはしつこくて落ちない。
This stain is stubborn and won't come off.
Can also be used for stubborn stains or problems.
頑固な汚れにはこの洗剤が効く。
This detergent works on stubborn stains.
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.
彼は頑固すぎて謝れない。
He is too stubborn to apologize.
He stubbornly insisted on his own way in the meeting and wouldn't give in.
子供がお菓子を買ってと駄々をこねている。
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.
彼女は粘り強く交渉を続けた。
She stubbornly (tenaciously) continued the negotiations.
Means deeply tenacious or stubborn, often with a nuance of holding a grudge or being vengefully persistent.
彼は執念深く復讐の機会を狙っていた。
He stubbornly waited for an opportunity for revenge.