意地
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
stubbornness; obstinacy; willfulness
Refers to a strong-willed, often unreasonable refusal to yield; can be negative (stubborn pride) or positive (determination). Common in phrases like 意地を張る (to be stubborn) and 意地になる (to get stubborn).
He stubbornly refused to apologize.
That child stubbornly persisted and finished the homework.
disposition; nature; character
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary way to refer to one's innate character or temperament. Often seen in set phrases like 意地が悪い (ill-natured) or 意地が汚い (greedy, base).
He is not a malicious person by nature.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used in compounds and set phrases to indicate a strong craving, especially for food or material gain. Most common in 意地汚い (greedy, gluttonous).
I was surprised by his greedy way of eating.
Usage patterns
- 意地を通すto stick stubbornly to one's position
He stubbornly stuck to his position until the end.
- 意地を捨てるto swallow one's pride and give up one's stubbornness
You should swallow your pride and apologize soon.
- 〈人〉の意地を見せるto show one's stubborn determination
She showed her fighting spirit in the final match.
- 〈人〉と意地の張り合いをするto have a battle of wills with someone
I ended up in a battle of wills with my older brother.