Meaning
顽固 describes someone or something that is extremely stubborn and refuses to change their views, habits, or position, even when presented with evidence or reason. It carries a more negative connotation than simple stubbornness, implying unreasonable rigidity or closed-mindedness.
Usage
This word is typically used in critical or disapproving contexts to describe people who won't listen to reason or outdated ideas that persist despite being disproven. It's stronger and more negative than 固执 (gù zhí). Common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in political or social commentary.
Examples
- 01他太顽固了，根本听不进别人的意见。, .He's too stubborn and simply won't listen to other people's opinions.
- 02我们不能让顽固的旧观念阻碍社会进步。.We cannot let stubborn old ideas hinder social progress.
Characters
Common collocations
- 顽固分子die-hard element, stubborn faction
- 顽固派conservative faction, die-hards
- 顽固不化stubbornly refusing to change
- 思想顽固stubborn in thinking, rigid mindset
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the meaning of stubbornness: 顽 originally meant 'hard' or 'unyielding' (like stone), while 固 means 'firm' or 'solid.' Together they emphasize an unyielding, inflexible attitude.