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.
The most common and versatile word for 'stubborn'. Can be used for both people and their attitudes. Often carries a negative nuance but can sometimes be neutral.
彼は頑固だから、説得するのは難しい。
He's obstinate, so it's hard to persuade him.
頑固な性格
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.
彼女は意地っ張りで、絶対に謝らない。
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.
強情な態度を取る
to take an obstinate attitude
A less common term for stubbornness, often implying a one-sided, unreasonable persistence. Slightly literary.
片意地な老人
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.
彼は頑として自分の意見を変えなかった。
He obstinately refused to change his opinion.
To stubbornly stick to one's position out of pride or obstinacy, often in a confrontational way.
そんなに意地を張らないで、素直に謝ったらどう？
Don't be so obstinate; why don't you just apologize honestly?
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.
頑強な抵抗
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.
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