1.
stubborn; obstinate; pigheaded
Unwilling to change one's opinions, attitudes, or actions despite good reasons to do so. Can describe a person's character or specific behavior.
うちの父は頑固で、一度決めたら絶対に変えない。
My father is stubborn—once he's decided something, he absolutely won't change his mind.
頑固親父だけど、根は優しい。
He's a stubborn old man, but he's kind at heart.
2.
stubborn; persistent (of stains, symptoms, etc.)
Difficult to remove or get rid of. Used for things that won't go away easily.
頑固な汚れがなかなか落ちない。
The stubborn stain won't come off easily.
USAGE:
- 頑固な人 (a stubborn person)
- 頑固に反対する (to stubbornly oppose)
- 頑固を通す (to stick stubbornly to one's position)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 頑固親父 (stubborn old man - often used affectionately)
- 頑固な職人 (stubborn craftsman - can be positive, implying commitment to quality)
- 頑固な風邪 (stubborn cold that won't go away)
- 頑固な汚れ} (stubborn stain)
NUANCE:
For people, usually negative but can be used with grudging respect for someone who sticks to their principles. 頑固親父 often carries affection despite the complaint.
RELATED WORDS:
- 強情 (obstinate - more negative)
- 意地っ張り (obstinate, contrary)