1.
one's pet theory, personal opinion, cherished view
A strongly held personal opinion or viewpoint that someone consistently maintains and expresses. Often implies the person has held this view for a long time and brings it up regularly.
彼の持論を述べた。
He stated his personal theory.
早起きは健康にいいというのが祖父の持論だ。
It's my grandfather's pet theory that waking up early is good for your health.
社長は「現場が一番大事だ」という持論を長年展開してきた。
The company president has long advocated his view that the workplace floor is the most important thing.
USAGE:
持論 always refers to someone's own opinion, typically one they have held for a long time and express repeatedly. It can be neutral or slightly dismissive depending on context — when used about others, it sometimes implies the opinion is idiosyncratic or unproven.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 持論を述べる: to state one's view
- 持論を展開する: to develop / advocate one's theory
- 持論を曲げない: to not bend one's opinion
- ～というのが持論だ: one's stance is that ~