gùzhí: 固执 - Stubborn, Obstinate

Keywords: guzhi, gùzhí, 固执, stubborn in Chinese, obstinate in Chinese, Chinese word for stubborn, how to use guzhi, guzhi vs jianchi, Chinese culture, inflexible, pigheaded

Summary: Learn the meaning and cultural significance of the Chinese word 固执 (gùzhí), meaning “stubborn” or “obstinate.” This guide explores its strong negative connotation in Chinese culture, which values harmony and flexibility, and contrasts it with the more neutral English concept of being “determined.” Master its usage with 10 practical example sentences, understand key nuances to avoid common mistakes, and discover related terms.

Pinyin (with tone marks): gùzhí

Part of Speech: Adjective

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: To be stubborn, obstinate, or unreasonably and inflexibly attached to one's own opinion.

In a Nutshell: 固执 (gùzhí) describes a person who refuses to change their mind, listen to advice, or consider other perspectives, even when faced with logic or reason. It carries a distinctly negative feeling, implying a closed-mindedness that can be frustrating for others. Think of it less as “strong-willed” and more as “pigheaded” or “unreasonably resistant to change.”

固 (gù): This character means “solid,” “firm,” or “fixed.” The outer radical 囗 (wéi) represents an enclosure, suggesting something being held firmly in place.

执 (zhí): This character means “to hold,” “to grasp,” or “to persist in.” It depicts the act of firmly taking hold of something.

Together, 固执 (gùzhí) literally means “to firmly hold” or “to solidly grasp.” This paints a vivid picture of someone clinging tightly to their own ideas, refusing to let go, which perfectly captures the essence of being stubborn.

In Chinese culture, which often prioritizes group harmony (和 - hé), flexibility, and showing respect for others' opinions (especially elders or superiors), being 固执 (gùzhí) is seen as a significant social flaw. It implies that an individual is placing their own ego and opinions above the well-being and cohesion of the group. A 固执 (gùzhí) person is difficult to work with, hard to persuade, and can be seen as a disruptive force.

Contrast with Western Culture: In many Western contexts, “stubbornness” can sometimes be reframed positively as “determination,” “tenacity,” or “sticking to your guns.” While China has positive words for perseverance (like `坚持 (jiānchí)`), 固执 (gùzhí) almost never carries this positive spin. It specifically refers to the negative side of this trait—the refusal to listen to reason. A Western boss might admire an employee who is “stubborn” in pursuing a goal; a Chinese boss is more likely to be frustrated by an employee who is 固执 (gùzhí) and won't adapt to new instructions or feedback.

Overwhelmingly Negative: 固执 (gùzhí) is almost always a criticism. Calling someone 固执 is a direct comment on their negative character trait.

Common Collocation: It is frequently paired with 不听劝 (bù tīng quàn), which means “doesn't listen to advice.” For example, “他太固执了，根本不听劝。” (Tā tài gùzhí le, gēnběn bù tīng quàn.) - “He's too stubborn, he won't listen to advice at all.”

False Friend: Don't automatically translate the English word “determined” to 固执 (gùzhí). More often than not, the better translation for positive determination is 坚持 (jiānchí) or 有决心 (yǒu juéxīn).

坚持 (jiānchí) - To persist, to insist on. The neutral/positive counterpart to 固执, focusing on perseverance rather than irrationality.

倔强 (juéjiàng) - Stubborn, unbending. Similar to 固执 but can sometimes carry a slight nuance of defiant strength, especially when describing a child or a person with strong (but not necessarily irrational) principles.

顽固 (wángù) - Obstinate, die-hard. Even stronger and more negative than 固执. It often describes someone with deep-seated, reactionary, and unchangeable views (e.g., a “die-hard conservative” - 保守顽固).

一意孤行 (yī yì gū xíng) - A common idiom meaning to stubbornly go one's own way, completely ignoring advice or consequences. It's a very strong criticism.

牛脾气 (niú píqi) - Lit. “ox temper.” A colloquial and vivid term for a stubborn person or their stubborn nature.

死心眼儿 (sǐxīnyǎnr) - A colloquial term for being one-track-minded or inflexibly stubborn. Lit. “dead heart eye.”

听劝 (tīng quàn) - The ability to listen to advice. The opposite of being 固执. You often hear “他这个人不听劝” (Tā zhège rén bù tīng quàn - This person doesn't listen to advice).