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obstinado

ob-stee-NAH-doh/obs.ti.ˈna.ðo/

“obstinado” means “stubborn” in Spanish (refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action).

stubborn

Also: obstinate, persistent
General
A donkey sitting down firmly on a path, refusing to move even as a person gently pulls on its rope.

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo es un hombre muy obstinado.

A2

My grandfather is a very stubborn man.

Se mostró obstinado en su decisión de no vender la casa.

B1

He remained stubborn in his decision not to sell the house.

No seas tan obstinado y escucha los consejos de tus amigos.

B2

Don't be so stubborn and listen to your friends' advice.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • terco (stubborn (very common))
  • cabezota (hard-headed (informal))
  • tenaz (tenacious/persistent (often positive))

Antonyms

  • flexible (flexible)
  • dócil (docile/compliant)

Common Collocations

  • carácter obstinado – stubborn character
  • obstinado en su error – persistent in their mistake
  • silencio obstinado – stubborn silence

Idioms & Expressions

  • terco como una mula – extremely stubborn

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "obstinado" in Spanish:

obstinate→persistent→stubborn→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: obstinado

Question 1 of 3

How would you say 'She is stubborn'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
obstinación(stubbornness) — Noun
obstinadamente(stubbornly) — Adverb
obstinarse(to be stubborn/persist in) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'obstinatus', which means 'determined' or 'firmly set'. It shares roots with words related to 'standing' or 'setting' something in place.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: obstinateFrench: obstiné

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'obstinado' a bad word?

No, it's not a swear word or offensive, but calling someone stubborn is usually a criticism of their behavior.

What is the difference between 'obstinado' and 'terco'?

They mean the same thing, but 'obstinado' is slightly more formal, while 'terco' is used more often in daily conversation.

Can 'obstinado' be a positive thing?

Usually it is negative (meaning someone won't listen), but it can be used to mean 'persistent' or 'tenacious' in reaching a goal.