Japanese word

意地

Pronunciation

Romajiiji

Meaning

  • nounstubbornness

Example

彼は意地を張っています。kare wa i ji o ha tte i ma su

He is being stubborn.

Illustration for 意地 (stubbornness)

More examples

彼女は注意されても、意地を張り続けます。kano jo wa chū i sa re te mo i ji o ha ri tsuzu ke ma su

She keeps being stubborn even when corrected.

Core concept

Centers on holding firmly to one's own position, whether this appears as pride, determination, or refusal to give way.

Common phrases

  • 意地を張るi ji o ha ru

    be stubborn

Similar words

頑固ganko: A refusal to change one's views or behavior, even when circumstances call for change.
強情gōjo: A strong refusal to give up one's opinion or wishes.
意固地ikoji: A stubborn effort to keep one's position despite pressure or advice.

Definition in Japanese

自分の考えや立場を通そうとして、簡単には譲らない気持ち。ji bun no kanga e ya tachi ba o tō sō to shi te kan tan ni wa yuzu ra na i ki mo chi

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 意地 (iji) combines 意 (i, "mind") and 地 (ji, "ground"), referring to a person's inner disposition and the firm will that can grow from it.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 意地 (iji) can describe admirable determination as well as frustrating stubbornness, so its tone depends on the situation.

Other meanings

  • pridenoun
  • willpowernoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 意地っ張りijipparistubborn personnoun

Word lists with this word