How to say "adamant" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 頑固一徹がんこいってつna-adjective, nounCovers 'adamant' in the sense of stubbornly sticking to one's ways; it is a four-character idiom describing an obstinate person rather than a stance, and is a less common choice.
- 利かぬきかぬprenominal modifierMatches 'adamant' via the gloss 'obdurate', describing someone who will not listen or comply; a less common and rather marginal rendering, better suited to 'obdurate' than to everyday 'adamant'.
- テコでも動かないてこでもうごかないexpression, i-adjectiveUsed for 'adamant' when someone refuses to budge from a position no matter what, as in negotiations or persuasion; vivid and emphatic, though a less common expression.
- 揺るがないゆるがないi-adjectiveCovers 'adamant' as unwavering conviction or determination that cannot be shaken, e.g. a firm belief or resolve; fits abstract steadfastness rather than interpersonal stubbornness, and is a less common choice.
Use 「揺るがない」 for unshakeable resolve or belief, 頑固一徹 for a person's stubborn character, 「テコでも動かない」 for refusing to budge from a position, and 「利かぬ」 for an obdurate, unyielding attitude.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
