Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “stubborn” in Cantonese! Whether you’re learning the language for personal or professional reasons, understanding various ways to express this characteristic will enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways of saying “stubborn” in Cantonese, while also providing tips, examples, and addressing any regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Stubborn” in Cantonese
When it comes to formal situations, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are some formal ways to express “stubborn” in Cantonese:
1. 固執 (gu3 zat1)
This term is commonly used in formal settings and portrays the idea of being stubborn, tenacious, or persistent. It implies someone who sticks to their opinions or beliefs against others’ attempts to persuade them.
Example: 佢好固執，一聽到唔鍾意嘅提議，就唔肯改變自己嘅意見。
(Keoi hou gu3 zat1, jat1 teng6 dou3 m4 zung1 ji1 ge3 tai4 ji3, zau6 m4 hang1 goi2 bin3 zi6 gei2.)
Translation: He is very stubborn; once he hears a suggestion he doesn’t like, he refuses to change his opinion.
2. 固執己見 (gu3 zat1 gei2 gin3)
Using this phrase emphasizes the notion of being stubborn in holding personal opinions or viewpoints. It conveys the idea that someone is resolute in maintaining their own beliefs.
Example: 佢固執己見，從不聽別人嘅建議。
(Keoi gu3 zat1 gei2 gin3, cung4 bat1 teng1 bit6 jan4 ge3 gin3 ji3.)
Translation: He is stubborn and never listens to other people’s advice.
Informal Ways to Say “Stubborn” in Cantonese
When conversing with friends, family, or in less formal settings, you can use more casual and colloquial expressions to describe someone as “stubborn.” Here are some examples:
1. 死腦頭 (sei2 nou5 tau4)
This slang term refers to someone who is extremely stubborn or pig-headed. It carries a stronger connotation and is often used in a lighthearted manner among close peers.
Example: 佢就係個死腦頭，點解就一定要做返自己鍾意嘅嘢呢？
(Keoi zau6 hai6 go3 sei2 nou5 tau4, dim2 gaai2 zau6 jat1 ding6 jiu3 zou6 faan1 zi6 gei2 zung1 ji3 ge3 je5 ne1?)
Translation: He’s such a stubborn person. Why does he always have to do things his own way?
2. 無理 (mou4 lei5)
When you want to describe someone as stubborn while emphasizing their unreasonableness or defiance, you can use this term.
Example: 佢無理極咗，就算你點解，佢都唔會聽你講。
(Keoi mou4 lei5 gik6 zo2, zau6 syun4 nei5 dim2 gaai2, keoi5 dou1 m4 wui5 teng1 nei5 gong2.)
Translation: He is being extremely stubborn, no matter what you say, he won’t listen.
Regional Variations
Cantonese is spoken in various regions, and some expressions or terms may vary. However, the concepts of stubbornness remain relatively similar across different areas where Cantonese is spoken. It’s advisable to stick with the common terms mentioned above, as they are understood and used widely regardless of regional variations.
Conclusion
With the information provided in this guide, you now have a solid understanding of how to say “stubborn” in Cantonese. Remember to adapt your language based on the level of formality required in different situations. Whether you choose to use formal terms like “固執” (gu3 zat1) or informal slang like “死腦頭” (sei2 nou5 tau4), you can confidently navigate conversations about stubbornness in Cantonese. Continued practice and exposure to the language will further enhance your fluency. Keep up the great work!
