Meaning
Being very unwilling to change
Cultural Background
In Dalmatia, the donkey is a symbol of survival and hard work. Calling someone a 'tovar' (donkey) can be an insult, but 'tvrdoglav kao tovar' is often said with a smirk, acknowledging the local trait of 'dišpet'. Istrians also have a strong connection to the donkey (istarski tovar). The idiom is just as common there, often used to describe the rugged, unyielding nature of the local farmers. In the north, the idiom is used without the coastal 'tovar' connection, sticking strictly to 'magarac'. It is frequently used in folk tales to describe characters who get into trouble because they won't listen. In cities like Zagreb, the phrase is used in traffic or office settings to describe people who refuse to follow rules or common sense.
Gender Agreement
Always check if you are talking about a man (tvrdoglav) or a woman (tvrdoglava).
Don't over-use
Calling someone a 'magarac' directly can be an insult. Always use the full 'tvrdoglav kao...' to be safe.
Meaning
Being very unwilling to change
Gender Agreement
Always check if you are talking about a man (tvrdoglav) or a woman (tvrdoglava).
Don't over-use
Calling someone a 'magarac' directly can be an insult. Always use the full 'tvrdoglav kao...' to be safe.
The 'Tovar' variant
If you are in Split or Zadar, use 'tovar' to sound like a local!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'tvrdoglav'.
Moja baka je ________ kao magarac.
Because 'baka' (grandma) is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.
Which animal is used in this Croatian idiom?
Tvrdoglav kao...
The donkey (magarac) is the standard animal for stubbornness in Croatian.
Match the Croatian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
The idiom translates conceptually to 'stubborn as a mule'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Marko opet ne želi slušati. B: Znam, on je ________.
The context of 'not listening' requires the idiom for stubbornness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMoja baka je ________ kao magarac.
Because 'baka' (grandma) is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.
Tvrdoglav kao...
The donkey (magarac) is the standard animal for stubbornness in Croatian.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom translates conceptually to 'stubborn as a mule'.
A: Marko opet ne želi slušati. B: Znam, on je ________.
The context of 'not listening' requires the idiom for stubbornness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be mildly offensive if used seriously, but it's often used humorously among friends.
Yes! 'Ja sam tvrdoglav kao magarac' is a common way to admit you are being difficult.
Tvrdoglava kao magarac.
Yes, 'mazga' is used, but 'magarac' is more common.
No, that's not a standard idiom in Croatian.
It comes from 'tvrd' (hard) and 'glava' (head).
Rarely. It's better to use 'nepopustljiv' in formal contexts.
Yes, 'uporan' means persistent in a good way.
Yes, it's a timeless idiom used by all generations.
You can add 'jako' (jako tvrdoglav kao magarac).
Related Phrases
Ići glavom kroz zid
similarTo go with your head through a wall
Tvrd orah
similarA hard nut
Uporan kao mazga
synonymPersistent as a mule
Savitljiv kao prut
contrastFlexible as a twig
