こだわる

こだわる
godan verb
to be particular about; to insist on; to obsess over
1. to be particular about, to insist on, to have high standards for
To care deeply about quality or details of something, often used positively to describe dedication to craft or standards.
素材(そざい)にこだわる。
Be particular about ingredients.
この(みせ)(あじ)にこだわっている。
This shop is particular about flavor.
(かれ)(くつ)にこだわりがあって、いつも高級(こうきゅう)ブランドを(えら)ぶ。
He's particular about shoes and always chooses luxury brands.
2. to be fixated on, to be hung up on, to dwell on
To be unable to let go of something, often used negatively to describe excessive attachment to trivial matters.
過去(かこ)にこだわるな。
Don't dwell on the past.
(こま)かいことにこだわりすぎだ。
You're too hung up on the small details.
()()けにこだわらず、(たの)しむことが大事(だいじ)だ。
It's important to enjoy yourself without fixating on winning or losing.

TRANSITIVITY:

  • Type: 自動詞(じどうし) (intransitive)
  • Takes に particle: 〜にこだわる

ASPECT (ている):

  • こだわっている means 'is particular about' (ongoing state/attitude)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 〜にこだわる: to be particular about ~
  • こだわりの〜: ~ made with care, artisanal ~
  • こだわりがある: to have particular standards
  • こだわりが(つよ)い: to have strong preferences

NUANCE: Originally こだわる was mainly negative (to be fixated, to fuss). In modern usage, sense 1 (positive: dedication to quality) is dominant, especially in marketing and food culture. こだわりの一品(いっぴん) (a carefully crafted item) is a common advertising phrase.