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terco

TAIR-koh/ˈteɾ.ko/

stubborn

Also: obstinate, headstrong
General
A small donkey planting its hooves firmly in the ground, refusing to move while a person gently pulls on a rope.

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo es muy terco y no quiere ir al médico.

A2

My grandfather is very stubborn and doesn't want to go to the doctor.

No seas tan terco, escucha los consejos de tus amigos.

B1

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

A pesar de las pruebas, él se mantiene terco en su posición.

B2

Despite the evidence, he remains stubborn in his position.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • testarudo (hard-headed)
  • obstinado (obstinate)

Antonyms

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

Common Collocations

  • terco como una mula – stubborn as a mule
  • ponerse terco – to get/become stubborn
  • un niño terco – a stubborn child

Idioms & Expressions

  • caer en terca – To insist on something repeatedly or get stuck on an idea

stubborn person

Also: hard-head
NounmB2informal
A person sitting with arms crossed and a determined, unyielding expression, ignoring a path laid out before them.

📝 In Action

Ese terco no va a cambiar de opinión aunque le pagues.

B1

That stubborn guy won't change his mind even if you pay him.

Es inútil discutir con un terco.

B2

It's useless to argue with a stubborn person.

Los tercos suelen aprender por el camino difícil.

C1

Stubborn people usually learn the hard way.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cabezón (big-head (informal))

Antonyms

  • obediente (obedient person)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "terco" in Spanish:

hard-head→headstrong→obstinate→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: terco

Question 1 of 3

How would you say 'She is very stubborn'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
terquedad(stubbornness) — Noun
tercamente(stubbornly) — Adverb
entercarse(to become stubborn/fixated) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
cercopuercoalberco
📚 Etymology▼

Likely from Latin 'terticus', suggesting something difficult or harsh, or possibly related to 'terere' (to rub/wear down).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: terco

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'terco' an insult?

It's not a swear word, but it's generally negative. It's like calling someone 'hard-headed' in English—it can be a mild observation or a sign of frustration.

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

They are almost identical. 'Terco' is slightly more common in daily speech, while 'testarudo' literally implies having a 'hard head' (testa).

Should I use 'ser' or 'estar' with terco?

Use 'ser' if it's their personality. Use 'estar' (or 'ponerse') if they are just acting stubborn about one specific thing right now.