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.
この革は硬くて使いにくい。
This leather is stiff and hard to use.
肩が硬い。
My shoulders are stiff.
Literally 'does not bend'. A clear, direct way to say something is inflexible.
この針金は硬すぎて曲がらない。
This wire is too stiff and won't bend.
Means 'lacks flexibility'. Used for materials or body parts.
この素材は柔軟性がない。
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.
父は頑固で、新しい考えを受け入れない。
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.
彼は融通が利かないから、計画を変えるのは難しい。
He's inflexible, so it's hard to change the plan.
Literally 'hard-headed'. A common idiom for someone who is inflexible in thinking.
あの人は頭が硬くて、冗談が通じない。
That person is so inflexible, they don't get jokes.
Describes someone who rigidly sticks to rules without flexibility. Somewhat formal.
彼の杓子定規な態度には困ったものだ。
His inflexible attitude is a problem.
Describing policies, plans, or structures that are rigid and unadaptable.
Used for systems or rules that lack flexibility.
この会社の規則は柔軟性がない。
This company's rules are inflexible.
Also used for systems or situations that cannot be adjusted.
このスケジュールは融通が利かない。
This schedule is inflexible.
Means 'rigid' or 'ossified'. Often used for organizations or thinking that is resistant to change.
硬直した組織では革新は難しい。
Innovation is difficult in an inflexible organization.
Describes a rigid, rule-bound approach. Often negative.
杓子定規な運用は利用者の不満を招く。
Inflexible implementation invites user dissatisfaction.
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.