Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 頑固一徹
Voice sample:
がんこいってつ (ganko ittetsu)
English Translation:
Stubborn, set in one's ways
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Literally “stubborn and single-minded”; sticking firmly to your own ideas and refusing to change them.
日本語で読む
自分の考えや態度をかたく守り、決して変えようとしないこと。また、そういう性格。
Cultural Context:
It is used for stubborn people such as a strict father or a craftsman. It can sound critical, or carry some respect for their firm beliefs.
日本語で読む
がんこな父親や職人などに使う。批判的にも、信念をつらぬく姿への敬意をこめても使う。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Often “頑固一徹な父” or “頑固一徹をつらぬく.”
日本語で読む
•「頑固一徹な父」「頑固一徹をつらぬく」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
一徹 is read いってつ. It is not always an insult; it can describe someone admirably true to their beliefs.
日本語で読む
「一徹」は「いってつ」と読む。悪口とはかぎらず、信念をまげない人をほめるときにも使う。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
祖父は頑固一徹で、昔ながらのやり方を決して変えない。
My grandfather is so stubborn that he never changes his old ways.
Example 2Applied Example
頑固一徹の老忍者は、どんなに便利な新しい道具も使おうとしなかった。
The stubborn old ninja refused to use any new tool, no matter how handy.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「頑固一徹」 mean?