matigas ang ulo
/matiˌɡas ʔaŋ ˈʔulo/
The English word stubborn is translated into Tagalog as matigas ang ulo. Wiktionary also lists malig-in and maliwaliwa.
Meaning: refusing to move or change one's opinion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| matigas ang ulo | /matiˌɡas ʔaŋ ˈʔulo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| malig-in | |
| maliwaliwa |
The term is used to describe someone who is refusing to move or change their opinion. You may also use the phrase Mahirap kausapin, which means someone is difficult to talk to, to express that a person is being stubborn.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase matigas ang ulo literally translates to hard the head.
How do you pronounce it?
/matiˌɡas ʔaŋ ˈʔulo/
Did you know?
- In some related languages like Tetum, the word for 'head' uluk evolved to mean 'formerly' or 'before'.
- The term maliwaliwa describes a specific type of stubbornness characterized by being contrary or always wanting to do the opposite of what is asked.
- Tagalog uses 'head' (ulo) as the focal point for stubbornness, whereas English speakers might use 'heart' or 'will' to describe a person's persistence.
Examples in context
- Huwag matigas ang ulo.Don't be stubborn.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be stubborn using matigas ang ulo.Tatoeba #11482200 by qwertzu, translation #9200486 by CK
- Alam mong matigas ang ulo ko.You know that I'm very stubborn.This sentence is useful for admitting that you are stubborn using matigas ang ulo.Tatoeba #11482201 by qwertzu, translation #7519606 by CK
- Alam kong matigas ang ulo ni Tom.I know that Tom is stubborn.This sentence is useful for stating that someone else is stubborn using matigas ang ulo.Tatoeba #11482206 by qwertzu, translation #6229158 by CK
- Hindi ko mabago ang desisyon niya, matigas ang ulo niya.I cannot change his decision, he is stubborn.
- Ayaw niya sumunod sa amin, matigas talaga ang ulo niya!He doesn't want to follow us, he's really stubborn!
- Sobrang mahirap kausapin 'yung bata na 'yun, hindi niya pinakikinggan ang sinasabi ko.That child is really difficult to talk to, he doesn't listen to what I'm saying.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Jasmine are arguing about a travel plan.
- RicardoBakit ayaw mong makinig sa payo ko?Why don't you want to listen to my advice?
- JasmineKasi tama ang desisyon ko, Ricardo.Because my decision is right, Ricardo.
- RicardoSadyang matigas ang ulo mo, Jasmine.You are really stubborn, Jasmine.
- JasmineHindi ako matigas ang ulo, sigurado lang ako.I'm not stubborn, I'm just sure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stubborn” translations and entries matigas ang ulo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ang, matigas, matigas ang ulo, ulo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
