Translation guide
How to express doing something in a stubborn, persistent, or obstinate manner in Japanese.
Describes acting with determination not to yield, often in the face of opposition or reason.
The most direct and common adverb for 'stubbornly'. Used for both people and attitudes.
彼は頑固に自分の意見を曲げなかった。
He stubbornly refused to change his opinion.
Describes continuing to do something with determination, often in a positive or neutral sense.
Means 'tenaciously' or 'persistently', with a positive connotation of not giving up.
彼は粘り強く交渉を続けた。
He stubbornly continued the negotiations.
Describes a physical refusal to move or change position.
Literally 'won't move', used for people or animals that stubbornly stay put.
犬は動こうとせず、そこに座り込んでいた。
The dog stubbornly sat there and wouldn't move.
頑固に (stubbornly) often has a negative nuance of being unreasonably obstinate, while 粘り強く (tenaciously) is usually positive, implying admirable persistence. Choose based on whether the stubbornness is seen as a flaw or a virtue.
In many contexts, English uses 'stubbornly' where Japanese would use a specific verb or phrase (e.g., 言うことを聞かない for 'stubbornly refuses to listen'). Direct adverbial translation can sound unnatural.
Implies stubbornness out of pride or obstinacy, often in a childish or emotional way.
彼女は意地になって謝らなかった。
She stubbornly refused to apologize.
Similar to 頑固に but can sound slightly more negative, emphasizing obstinacy.
彼は強情に自分の非を認めなかった。
He stubbornly refused to admit his mistake.
Used with a negative verb to mean 'no matter what', conveying stubborn refusal.
彼はどうしても行くと言って聞かなかった。
He stubbornly insisted on going.
Often negative, meaning 'persistently' or 'insistently' to the point of annoyance.
彼はしつこく同じ質問を繰り返した。
He stubbornly repeated the same question.
Literary or formal expression meaning 'firmly' or 'stubbornly', often used with negatives.
彼は頑としてその申し出を断った。
He stubbornly refused the offer.