Translation guide
The quality of being stubbornly determined, often unreasonably so. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize stubbornness, willfulness, or persistence, with nuances ranging from negative to positive.
Expressing that someone is unreasonably stubborn, unyielding, or refuses to listen to others.
The most common and direct word for stubbornness. Often used for personality traits, implying inflexibility and resistance to change. Can be negative or sometimes neutral.
He's stubborn, so it's hard to persuade him.
My father is obstinate and won't budge on his opinions.
Describes someone who is stubborn out of pride or a desire to have their own way, often in a childish or petty manner. More emotional than 頑固.
She's obstinate and refuses to apologize.
Stubbornness with a nuance of being headstrong and defiant. Slightly more formal or literary than 頑固.
I'm at my wit's end with his obstinate attitude.
Literally 'does not have an ear to listen.' Used when someone stubbornly refuses to listen to advice or opinions.
He turned a deaf ear to advice.
To insist on one's own way; to be self-assertive to the point of obstinacy. Often used in contexts of personal relationships.
He always insists on his own way and doesn't listen to others.
Expressing a strong, unwavering determination to achieve something, often seen as a positive trait.
Tenacious, persistent. Emphasizes sticking with something without giving up. Generally positive.
She won the contract through tenacious negotiation.
Indomitable, unyielding in spirit. Often used in contexts of overcoming adversity. More formal/literary.
Simply 'not giving up.' A common and natural way to express persistent determination.
He never gave up until the very end.
Expressing active, often defiant resistance to authority or pressure.
頑固 is the most general term for stubbornness, often describing a fixed personality trait. 意地っ張り implies stubbornness driven by pride or a desire to have one's way, often seen as childish. 強情 is similar to 頑固 but carries a stronger nuance of defiance and is slightly more formal or literary.
English 'obstinacy' can sometimes be translated directly as 頑固さ, but in natural Japanese, it's more common to describe the behavior or use adjectives like 頑固な. Using the noun form 頑固さ can sound abstract or stiff.
His indomitable spirit led the team to victory.
彼は意地になって、ますます反対した。
He became obstinate and opposed it even more.