Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
節を曲げない (せつをまげない) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, i-adjective
stick to one's principles ; not budge an inch
Describes someone who remains firm in their beliefs or decisions, refusing to compromise. Often used positively for integrity, but can imply stubbornness depending on context.
時とき
に
周しゅう
囲い
と
の
摩ま
擦さつ
を
生う
む
こと
も
ある
。
An uncompromising attitude can sometimes cause friction with others.
Similar words 頑がん 固こ 頑固 means stubbornness as a personality trait, often negative. 節を曲げない focuses on principled firmness and can be positive.
信しん 念ねん を 貫つらぬ く 信念を貫く explicitly means 'to stick to one's convictions,' similar in meaning but more direct and less idiomatic than 節を曲げない.
Etymology The expression combines 節 (せつ, 'joint; node; principle') with 曲げない (まげない, 'not bend'), literally 'not bending one's joints/principles.' The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is a well-established idiomatic phrase.
