Inklingo

How to Say "stubborn person" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stubborn person” is “testarudo” — use 'testarudo' when referring to someone who is generally obstinate and resistant to listening to reason or advice, focusing on their trait of being hard-headed..

English → Spanish

testarudo

/tes-tah-ROO-doh//testaˈɾuðo/

nounB1
Use 'testarudo' when referring to someone who is generally obstinate and resistant to listening to reason or advice, focusing on their trait of being hard-headed.
A person sitting on a chair with their arms crossed and a firm, unmoving expression while others point in a different direction.

Examples

Ese testarudo no quiere escuchar razones.

That stubborn guy doesn't want to listen to reason.

Es una testaruda, siempre quiere tener la razón.

She is a stubborn one; she always wants to be right.

¡No hables con él, es un testarudo!

Don't talk to him, he's a hardhead!

Using Describing Words as Names

In Spanish, you can turn many descriptive words into nouns just by adding 'el', 'la', 'un', or 'una' before them.

terco

/TAIR-koh//ˈteɾ.ko/

nounB2
Choose 'terco' when you want to emphasize that a specific person is determinedly unwilling to change their opinion or course of action, often implying a strong personal stance.
A person sitting with arms crossed and a determined, unyielding expression, ignoring a path laid out before them.

Examples

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

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

Es inútil discutir con un terco.

It's useless to argue with a stubborn person.

Los tercos suelen aprender por el camino difícil.

Stubborn people usually learn the hard way.

Adjectives as Nouns

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into nouns just by adding 'el' or 'un' in front of them.

A vs. The

Mistake: “Eres un terco.”

Correction: Eres muy terco (adjective) OR Eres un terco (noun).

necio

/NEH-syoh//ˈnesjo/

nounB2
Use 'necio' to describe someone who is foolishly stubborn, often to the point of refusing to learn or accept valid arguments, implying a lack of sense.
A person wearing a colorful jester hat with bells, tripping over their own shoelaces.

Examples

No discutas con un necio, te bajará a su nivel.

Don't argue with a fool, he will bring you down to his level.

Ese necio no entiende razones.

That stubborn man doesn't listen to reason.

Making it a Noun

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into nouns just by adding 'el' or 'la'. So 'el necio' literally means 'the foolish one' or 'the fool'.

mulo

/MOO-loh//ˈmulo/

nounA2figurative
Use 'mulo' figuratively to describe someone who is stubbornly persistent or hardworking, like a mule, often in a context of carrying burdens or doing difficult tasks.
A sturdy mule standing in a grassy field.

Examples

El mulo cargaba las cestas de café por el sendero.

The mule carried the coffee baskets along the path.

No seas tan mulo y escucha mis razones.

Don't be so stubborn and listen to my reasons.

El mulo es un animal muy resistente y fuerte.

The mule is a very resilient and strong animal.

Gender of the Animal

Spanish uses 'mulo' for the male animal and 'mula' for the female animal. If you don't know the sex, 'mula' is actually more common as a general term for the species.

Using 'Mulo' for People

When calling someone a 'mulo', the word stays masculine even if you are talking to a woman in some regions, though 'mula' is often used for women to match their gender.

Mulo vs. Burro

Mistake: “Using 'mulo' to mean 'donkey'.”

Correction: A 'mulo' is a mule (crossbreed), while a 'burro' is a donkey. They are different animals!

Distinguishing 'Testarudo' and 'Terco'

Learners often confuse 'testarudo' and 'terco' as they both mean stubborn. 'Testarudo' is more general, referring to someone hard-headed, while 'terco' often implies a strong, personal refusal to change one's mind on a specific issue.

Related Translations

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