Learning how to express “stubborn” in Chinese can be quite useful when describing someone’s personality or behavior. There are various ways to convey the meaning of stubbornness, depending on the formality level and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal terms commonly used in Mandarin Chinese to convey the concept of stubbornness.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Stubborn” in Chinese
Formal language is typically used in official or professional settings. When you need to convey the idea of stubbornness formally, the following terms will be appropriate:
1. 固执 (gù zhí)
This term is the most common and formal way to express “stubborn” in Mandarin Chinese. It implies a strong determination and the unwillingness to change one’s stance or opinion.
Example:
他非常固执，不肯屈服。
Translation: He is very stubborn and unwilling to compromise.
2. 执拗 (zhí niù)
执拗 is another formal term that conveys the meaning of “stubborn” but emphasizes on the persistence and rigidity of one’s behavior.
Example:
她的性格执拗，很难说服。
Translation: Her personality is stubborn, and it’s hard to convince her.
Informal Ways to Say “Stubborn” in Chinese
Informal language is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or peers. These terms are more colloquial and can help you express “stubborn” in a more relaxed and familiar manner:
1. 顽固 (wán gù)
顽固 is an informal term that shares the same meaning as 固执. It describes someone who is stubborn and persistent in their own beliefs or opinions.
Example:
他很顽固，不肯听别人的建议。
Translation: He is very stubborn and unwilling to listen to other people’s advice.
2. 死脑筋 (sǐ nǎo jīn)
死脑筋 is a colloquial term that literally translates to “dead brain” but figuratively means someone who is extremely stubborn and refuses to change their mind.
Example:
他就是个死脑筋，从来不听别人的意见。
Translation: He is such a stubborn person; he never listens to other people’s opinions.
Regional Variations
Chinese contains various dialects and regional variations, which sometimes lead to different terms to express “stubborn.” However, the formal and informal terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout China. Nevertheless, here are a couple of examples of regional variations:
1. 倔强 (jué jiàng)
倔强 is commonly used in Northern and Northeastern China to express “stubborn.” It carries a slightly stronger sense of resistance and obstinance compared to other terms.
2. 死皮赖脸 (sǐ pí lài liǎn)
死皮赖脸 is a colloquial term used mainly in Sichuan Province and surrounding areas. While it literally means “dead skin and clinging face,” it is often used to describe someone who is stubborn and shameless.
Tips for Using “Stubborn” in Chinese
When using these expressions to describe someone’s stubbornness, it’s important to note the following tips:
1. Context Matters
Always consider the context and relationship with the person you are describing. Different terms might be more appropriate depending on the setting and familiarity.
2. Tone of Voice
Tone of voice and nonverbal expressions can greatly affect the perceived meaning. Be mindful of your tone when using these phrases to avoid causing offense unintentionally.
3. Combination with Adjectives
Consider combining the term with suitable adjectives to provide a clearer description. For example, you might use “extremely stubborn” or “unreasonably stubborn” to emphasize the level of stubbornness.
Conclusion
In summary, there are various ways to express “stubborn” in Chinese, ranging from formal to informal terms. The formal options include 固执 and 执拗, while the informal terms include 顽固 and 死脑筋. Regardless of the term you choose, remember to consider the context, tone of voice, and potential regional variations to convey your intended meaning accurately. Use these expressions wisely and with respect, ensuring effective communication with Chinese speakers.
