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.
祖父は頑固に自分のやり方を貫いてきた職人だった。
My grandfather was a craftsman who stubbornly stuck to his own methods throughout his career.
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.
頑固な風邪がなかなか治らない。
This stubborn cold just won't go away.
この油汚れは頑固で、普通の洗剤では落ちなかった。
This grease stain is so stubborn that regular detergent couldn't get it off.
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)