Translation guide
Describes someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or course of action, often unreasonably. Japanese has several nuanced terms depending on the degree of stubbornness, formality, and whether it's about personality or a specific situation.
Describing a person who is generally obstinate, headstrong, or willful by nature.
He's obstinate, so it's hard to persuade him.
an obstinate personality
Describes someone who is stubborn out of pride or a desire to have their own way, often in a childish or petty manner. More colloquial than 頑固.
She's obstinate and never apologizes.
Similar to 頑固 but often implies a stronger, more defiant stubbornness. Can be used for both people and attitudes.
to take an obstinate attitude
A less common term for stubbornness, often implying a one-sided, unreasonable persistence. Slightly literary.
an obstinate old man
Refusing to give up or change one's mind about a particular matter, often despite reason.
Literally 'stubbornly won't listen'. Used when someone obstinately refuses to heed advice or change their mind.
He obstinately refused to change his opinion.
To stubbornly stick to one's position out of pride or obstinacy, often in a confrontational way.
To insist on one's own way stubbornly; similar to 意地を張る but emphasizes self-assertion.
Showing stubborn opposition or refusal to comply, often in a formal or written context.
Means 'stubborn' or 'tenacious', often used for resistance, opposition, or physical toughness. More formal.
obstinate resistance
Means 'firm' or 'hardline', used for stubborn attitudes in politics or negotiations. Not for personal traits.
頑固 is a general term for stubbornness and can describe a deep-seated personality trait. 意地っ張り often implies a more emotional, pride-driven stubbornness, sometimes seen as childish. 頑固 can be used in neutral descriptions, while 意地っ張り is usually negative.
English 'obstinate' can sometimes be translated directly as 頑固, but in many contexts, a phrase like 頑として聞かない or 意地を張る is more natural. Using 頑固 for every instance may sound unnatural or overly blunt.
Don't be so obstinate; why don't you just apologize honestly?
彼はいつも我を張って、人の言うことを聞かない。
He always obstinately insists on his own way and doesn't listen to others.
強硬な姿勢を崩さない
to maintain an obstinate stance