stubborn
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- 1 stubborn、headstrong
It usually describes someone who stubbornly refuses to change their mind or listen to advice. In some contexts.
stubborn、headstrong
Describes someone who holds firmly to their own way and resists advice, persuasion, or control.
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เขาเป็นคนหัวแข็ง khǎw pen khon hǔakhɛ̌ŋ He is a stubborn person. เขาเป็นคนหัวแข็ง details
Learning notes
Explanation
หัว means “head,” and แข็ง means “hard.” Together they create the image of a “hard head,” referring primarily to someone who refuses to change their mind or attitude. The usual meaning is “stubborn.” It often carries mild criticism, suggesting that the person will not accept advice or is difficult to deal with, rather than simply having firm principles. In a context involving authority or pressure, it may sometimes imply strength of will.
Usage
It is commonly used in everyday conversation when someone ignores advice, refuses to follow instructions, or will not reconsider their position. Common patterns include เป็นคนหัวแข็ง (“be a stubborn person”) and อย่าหัวแข็ง (“don't be stubborn”).
Caution
When used to judge someone's character, it is usually critical and may sound rude if said directly to a superior. For a positive meaning such as “having firm principles,” มีจุดยืน is more suitable; for “being determined,” use มีความมุ่งมั่น. Without a clear health-related context, หัวแข็ง will usually be understood as “stubborn.” Use แข็งแรง when you simply want to say that someone is healthy or physically strong.
Differences from similar words
1 stubborn synonyms
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ดื้อ broadly describes disobedient or uncooperative behavior. หัวแข็ง focuses more on firmly refusing to change one's mind or attitude despite persuasion.
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หัวรั้น strongly suggests obstinately insisting on one's own way and rejecting advice. หัวแข็ง is more general and can also describe resistance to authority or pressure.