waan4 gu3頑固顽固
Jyutpingwaan4 gu3
Yalewàahn gu
Definition
Stubborn and unwilling to accept new ideas, or difficult to remove or cure.
- stubborn; obstinate; unwilling to accept new ideas or advice
- difficult to clear, remove, or cure; persistent
neutraldescriptionshealth
How it's used
Describes both people who refuse to change their minds and inanimate things like stains or illnesses that are difficult to remove or treat. While it carries a negative connotation when applied to people, it is the standard term for persistent physical problems. It is often used interchangeably with 固執, but 頑固 implies a deeper, more ingrained resistance to change.
Examples
He is so stubborn, he won't listen no matter how you persuade him.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 固執, but 頑固 is more versatile because it can describe physical objects like stains, whereas 固執 is almost exclusively used for human personality traits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
