Translation guide
Describes someone unwilling to change their mind or behavior, often in a negative sense. Japanese has many nuanced words depending on the context—rigid, persistent, obstinate, or willful.
To describe a person who is obstinate, unyielding, or refuses to listen to reason.
The most common and versatile word for 'stubborn'. It can describe a person's personality or a specific instance of being obstinate. Often carries a negative nuance.
彼は頑固だから、説得するのは難しい。
He's stubborn, so it's hard to persuade him.
あの頑固な態度をどうにかしてほしい。
I wish he would do something about that stubborn attitude.
Describes someone who is stubborn out of pride or a desire to have their own way, often over small things. More emotional than 頑固.
彼女は意地っ張りで、自分の間違いを認めようとしない。
She's stubborn and won't admit her mistakes.
Similar to 頑固 but often implies a stronger, more defiant stubbornness. Can be used for both people and attitudes.
強情を張らずに、素直に謝ったほうがいい。
Instead of being stubborn, you should just apologize honestly.
A less common word for stubbornness, often implying a biased or one-sided insistence. Can feel slightly old-fashioned.
片意地な性格が災いして、友達を失った。
His stubborn personality backfired and he lost his friends.
To describe someone who insists on doing things their own way, often childishly or selfishly.
Means 'selfish' or 'willful'. Often used for children or adults acting childishly stubborn about getting what they want.
わがままを言わないで、少し我慢しなさい。
Don't be so stubborn/selfish; be a little patient.
Literally 'strong-willed', often used negatively to mean stubbornly asserting one's own opinions or desires.
彼は我が強くて、チームワークに向いていない。
He's too stubborn/strong-willed and not suited for teamwork.
To describe someone who is stubborn in a good way—determined, not giving up easily.
Means 'tenacious' or 'persistent'. Used positively for someone who doesn't give up. Not inherently negative like 'stubborn'.
彼女は粘り強く交渉して、契約を勝ち取った。
She negotiated stubbornly/persistently and won the contract.
Means 'persistent' in an annoying way. Can be used for a stubborn person who won't let something go, or for tastes/smells that linger.
To describe something difficult to remove or solve.
Also used for stubborn stains, smells, or problems that are hard to get rid of.
この汚れはしつこくて、なかなか落ちない。
This stain is stubborn and won't come out easily.
Can modify nouns like 汚れ (stain) or 問題 (problem) to mean 'stubborn'.
頑固な汚れにはこの洗剤が効く。
This detergent works on stubborn stains.
頑固 is the most general and common. 意地っ張り emphasizes emotional stubbornness or pride, often over trivial matters. 強情 suggests a stronger, more defiant obstinacy. In many situations, 頑固 is the safest choice.
English 'stubborn' can be positive in contexts like 'stubborn determination'. In Japanese, 頑固 is almost always negative. Use 粘り強い for positive persistence.
彼のしつこい勧誘にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his stubborn/persistent sales pitches.