Translation guide
Describes a person who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion, behavior, or course of action, often unreasonably. Japanese offers several nuanced terms depending on the flavor of stubbornness.
A person who is generally stubborn, willful, or obstinate in a broad sense.
The most common and neutral term for a stubborn person. Can be used in everyday conversation.
彼は頑固者だから、説得するのは難しい。
He's a stubborn person, so it's hard to persuade him.
Emphasizes a stubborn, self-assertive nature, often over small matters. Slightly more colloquial and can imply a childish stubbornness.
あの子は意地っ張りで、絶対に謝らない。
That kid is so stubborn; they never apologize.
Literally 'strong-willed person.' Often used for someone who is obstinately unyielding. Slightly more formal or written than 頑固者.
彼女は強情な人で、自分の意見を曲げない。
She is an obstinate person who never bends her opinions.
A person who is stubborn to the point of being unreasonable, inflexible, or annoying.
Literally 'stone head.' A very common, slightly derogatory term for a pigheaded person who refuses to listen to reason.
上司は石頭で、新しいアイデアを全く聞き入れない。
My boss is pigheaded and won't listen to any new ideas at all.
Describes someone who is perversely stubborn, often clinging to their own way despite reason. Somewhat literary or old-fashioned.
彼は片意地な人で、誰の助言も受け入れようとしない。
He is a perversely obstinate person, refusing to accept anyone's advice.
Someone who stubbornly insists on doing things their own way, often causing trouble for others.
Literally 'person with a strong ego/self.' Implies self-centered stubbornness, often used in interpersonal contexts.
彼は我が強い人で、いつも自分の思い通りにしようとする。
He's a very self-willed person, always trying to get his own way.
Describes someone who is obstinately rigid in attitude or belief. Often used in written or formal contexts.
彼は頑なな人で、自分の信念を決して変えない。
He is an obstinate person who never changes his convictions.
A fixed expression for an obstinate elderly person, often used humorously or affectionately.
Literally 'stubborn old man.' A common set phrase for a headstrong, often grumpy older man. Can be used for one's own father or a stereotypical character.
うちの頑固親父は、新しいスマホを使おうとしない。
My stubborn old man refuses to use a new smartphone.
頑固者 is the most general and neutral. 意地っ張り implies a more emotional, self-assertive stubbornness, often over trivial things. 石頭 is explicitly negative, meaning pigheaded and unreceptive to reason.
Direct translations like 'obstinate person' as オブスティネイトな人 are not natural Japanese. Use the terms above depending on the nuance.