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固执 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
固执gùzhiobstinateHSK 7, a, rank #6077, Hard
固执gùzhistubbornHSK 7, a, rank #6077, Hard
gùzhi(gu4zhi5) T4
  1. 1obstinate
  2. 2stubborn
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March 24, 2026
固执(固執)gùzhi(gu4zhi5)

固执 (gu4 zhi2) refers to a person who is obstinate or stubborn, often refusing to change their opinion or behavior despite persuasion. This term is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts to describe someone who holds firmly to their beliefs or decisions, sometimes to their detriment.

Frequency#6077DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being '固执' can be viewed negatively, especially in collectivist contexts where harmony and flexibility are valued. This trait may be criticized in social settings, reflecting the importance of adaptability.

Memory Tip

Imagine a stubborn goat (goat = '固') that refuses to move from its spot, no matter how much you urge it ('执' sounds like 'zhi' which can remind you of 'urge'). Together, the goat represents '固' (stubbornness) and '执' (holding on), creating a vivid image of obstinacy.

Meanings of 固执

gùzhi(gu4zhi5)
1obstinate
2stubborn
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About 固执

固执Simplified
固執Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6077Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 固执

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Podcast: 固执

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AI Study Notes for 固执

Quick Contrast

倔强 (juéjiàng) refers to being strong-willed or resolute, but can imply a more positive connotation of determination compared to 固执, which often suggests an unreasonable stubbornness.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a stubborn goat (goat = '固') that refuses to move from its spot, no matter how much you urge it ('执' sounds like 'zhi' which can remind you of 'urge'). Together, the goat represents '固' (stubbornness) and '执' (holding on), creating a vivid image of obstinacy.

Usage Notes

When using '固执', be mindful of the tone as it can imply a negative connotation. It's often used informally among friends or family but can also appear in formal discussions about character traits. A common mistake is to confuse it with '坚持' (jiānchí), which means to persist but with a more positive connotation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, '固执' is relevant when discussing personal traits and character evaluations. Students should focus on understanding its nuances in various contexts, especially in contrast to similar terms like '坚持' (to insist/persist).

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being '固执' can be viewed negatively, especially in collectivist contexts where harmony and flexibility are valued. This trait may be criticized in social settings, reflecting the importance of adaptability.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '固执' with '顽固' (wángù), which also means stubborn but carries a stronger negative connotation. For example, saying '他很固执' (tā hěn gùzhí) is correct, but saying '他很顽固' (tā hěn wángù) implies a deeper level of stubbornness that may not be intended.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 固执

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Component Characters

固gùhard
8 strokes囗
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执zhíto execute (a plan)
6 strokes扌
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Write 固执

固
执

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Grammar Patterns of 固执

固执 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他的反对者们认为他____、教条、僵化。

His opponents viewed him as stubborn, dogmatic, and inflexible.

Example Sentences for 固执 (6)

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1
他的反对者们认为他固执、教条、僵化。

tā de fǎn duì zhě mén rèn wéi tā gù zhí、 、 jiào、 tiáo 、。

His opponents viewed him as stubborn, dogmatic, and inflexible.
2
在另一方面，那些人固执己见，不肯让步。

zài lìng yī fāng miàn， ， nà xiē rén gù zhí jǐ， jiàn ， bù kěn。

On the other side, the men stood pat and were unyielding.
3
我不能肯定这是一种勇气，还是一种固执。

wǒ bù néng kěn dìng zhè shì yī zhǒng yǒng qì， ， huán shì yī zhǒng gù。

I am not sure whether this was courage or pig-headedness.
4
米克既固执又专横，脾气还很坏。

mǐ kè jì gù zhí yòu zhuān héng， ， pí qì huán hěn。

Mick was stubborn and domineering with a very bad temper.
5
我会不厌其烦地给那个固执己见的澳大利亚老头讲道理。

wǒ huì bù yàn qí fán dì gěi nà gè gù zhí jǐ jiàn de ào dà lì yà lǎo tóu jiǎng dào lǐ。

And I'll buzz over to talk some sense into old Ocker.
6
萨拉越对茜茜唠叨，茜茜越是固执。

sà lā yuè duì qiàn qiàn lào tāo， ， qiàn qiàn yuè shì gù。

The more Sarah nagged her, the more stubborn Cissie became.

Cultural Notes for 固执

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, being '固执' can be viewed negatively, especially in collectivist contexts where harmony and flexibility are valued. This trait may be criticized in social settings, reflecting the importance of adaptability.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, being stubborn might sometimes be viewed as a sign of strong will, while in Chinese culture, it is often seen as a flaw that disrupts social harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions about 固执

'固执' implies a stubbornness that is often detrimental, while '坚持' suggests persistence in a positive sense.