Translation guide
The English word 'inflexible' can describe rigid objects, stubborn people, or unchangeable rules and systems. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what is being described.
Describing objects, materials, or body parts that do not bend easily.
The most common word for 'hard' or 'stiff'. Used for materials, muscles, etc.
This leather is stiff and hard to use.
My shoulders are stiff.
Literally 'does not bend'. A clear, direct way to say something is inflexible.
This wire is too stiff and won't bend.
Means 'lacks flexibility'. Used for materials or body parts.
This material is inflexible.
Describing a person who refuses to compromise or adapt.
The standard word for 'stubborn'. Often used for people who won't change their opinions or habits.
My father is stubborn and won't accept new ideas.
Means 'inflexible' or 'unaccommodating'. Used for people who can't adapt to situations or make exceptions.
Literally 'hard-headed'. A common idiom for someone who is inflexible in thinking.
Describes someone who rigidly sticks to rules without flexibility. Somewhat formal.
Describing policies, plans, or structures that are rigid and unadaptable.
Used for systems or rules that lack flexibility.
This company's rules are inflexible.
Also used for systems or situations that cannot be adjusted.
Means 'rigid' or 'ossified'. Often used for organizations or thinking that is resistant to change.
Describes a rigid, rule-bound approach. Often negative.
頑固 (stubborn) focuses on a person's unyielding nature, often about opinions or habits. 融通が利かない (inflexible) is broader and can describe a person's inability to adapt to circumstances, or a system's rigidity. Use 頑固 for personality, 融通が利かない for situational inflexibility.
The English word 'inflexible' covers physical, personal, and systemic rigidity. In Japanese, different words are used for each. Using 硬い for a person's attitude sounds odd (it means physically hard). Use 頑固 or 融通が利かない instead.
He's inflexible, so it's hard to change the plan.
That person is so inflexible, they don't get jokes.
His inflexible attitude is a problem.
This schedule is inflexible.
Innovation is difficult in an inflexible organization.
Inflexible implementation invites user dissatisfaction.