testardo
/tesˈtar.do/
The Italian word for headstrong is testardo.
testardo is used to describe someone who is determined to do as one pleases, and not as others want.
Meaning: determined to do as one pleases, and not as others want (adj)
Which one should you use?
While testardo can mean 'stubborn', it is the standard way to describe someone who is headstrong or obstinate in both neutral and slightly negative contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to agree with the subject it describes: use testarda for a feminine subject, testardi for a masculine plural subject and testarde for a feminine plural subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /tesˈtar.do/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, you can call someone a testa di cavolo to mean they are 'stubborn' or even 'foolish', literally translating to 'cabbage head'.
- In some Italian regions, calling someone testone is a playful or affectionate way to call them 'headstrong' by turning the noun 'head' into an augmentative.
- While testardo is common, Italians may use caparbio to describe a more positive, tenacious kind of headstrong determination.
Examples in context
- Tom è testardo.Tom's headstrong.This sentence is useful for showing how to use testardo to describe a person.Tatoeba #2190593 by Guybrush88, translation #2107531 by CK
- Non essere così testardo con me.Don't be so headstrong with me.
- Mio fratello è un ragazzo molto testardo.My brother is a very headstrong boy.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are discussing a friend's stubborn behavior.
- ChiaraPerché non ascolta mai i nostri consigli?Why does he never listen to our advice?
- MatteoPerché è troppo testardo per cambiare.Because he is too headstrong to change.
- ChiaraÈ davvero un tipo difficile.He is a really difficult person.
- MatteoSì, lo sappiamo tutti.Yes, we all know that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry testardo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
