1.
stubborn person; obstinate person
A person who stubbornly refuses to change their mind, habits, or ways of doing things. Can be used both critically and with a tone of grudging respect.
父は頑固者だ。
My father is a stubborn person.
あの職人は頑固者で、自分のやり方を変えない。
That craftsman is stubborn and won't change his way of doing things.
祖父は頑固者だが、家族のことを誰よりも大切に思っている。
My grandfather is stubborn, but he cares about his family more than anyone.
A compound of 頑固 (stubborn) and 者 (person). Often used to describe older men, particularly fathers and grandfathers, and carries a mix of criticism and affection. In the context of craftsmen and artisans, being a 頑固者 can be positive, implying uncompromising dedication to quality.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 頑固者の親父: a stubborn old man (father)
- 筋金入りの頑固者: a thoroughly stubborn person
- 昔ながらの頑固者: an old-fashioned stubborn person
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 意地っ張り: obstinate person — more colloquial; implies stubbornness driven by pride or spite
- 頑固な人: stubborn person — the adjective form; more neutral than the compound 頑固者
- 強情な人: obstinate person — emphasizes willful refusal to yield