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intransigente

A2 adjective 8 min read

intransigente

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips intransigente in 30 Seconds

Explanation intransigente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that 'intransigente' describes someone who says 'no' and does not change their mind. Think of it as a very strong 'no'. Even though it's a long word, you can remember it by its similarity to 'uncompromising'. At this stage, just focus on using it with the verb 'ser'. For example: 'Ele é intransigente.' This means 'He is stubborn' or 'He does not change.' It's an adjective that describes a person's character. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it doesn't change for men or women. A man is 'intransigente' and a woman is 'intransigente'. This makes it easier for beginners! You might hear it in simple stories about people who are difficult to deal with. It's a good word to know to describe someone who is very firm. If you have a teacher who never changes the homework date, you might think they are 'intransigente'. Try to use it in simple sentences about rules or people you know. It’s a step up from basic words like 'bom' (good) or 'mau' (bad).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'intransigente' to describe specific situations and rules. You should be able to say what someone is uncompromising about by using the word 'com'. For example: 'O professor é intransigente com o horário.' (The teacher is uncompromising with the time). This level is about expanding your descriptions. You can use it to talk about your parents, your boss, or school rules. You should also recognize the plural form, 'intransigentes'. If you are talking about two people, you say 'Eles são intransigentes.' You are now moving beyond just knowing the word to using it in context. It's also helpful to know that 'intransigente' is more formal than 'teimoso'. If you want to sound a bit more serious or polite when describing someone who won't budge, 'intransigente' is the better choice. In your A2 writing, using words like this shows that you are developing a more sophisticated vocabulary. You might see this word in short news clips or intermediate reading materials about social issues. It's a very useful word for describing conflict or strong opinions without being rude.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'intransigente' in both professional and personal contexts. You can use it to discuss opinions, negotiations, and values. At this level, you should understand the nuance between 'intransigente' and its synonyms like 'inflexível' or 'obstinado'. You can start using it in more complex sentences: 'Embora a situação fosse difícil, ele permaneceu intransigente em sua decisão.' (Although the situation was difficult, he remained uncompromising in his decision). This shows you can use connectors like 'embora' (although). You should also be aware of the noun form 'intransigência' (uncompromisingness/intransigence). For example: 'A sua intransigência causou muitos problemas.' (Your lack of compromise caused many problems). At B1, you are expected to understand the word when used in radio programs or podcasts. You can use it to describe a character in a book or a movie. It's a key word for expressing frustration in a formal way. If a company doesn't want to lower its prices, you can describe their 'postura intransigente'. This level is about precision and choosing the right word for the right level of formality.

At the B2 level, 'intransigente' becomes a tool for analyzing and debating complex topics. You should use it to describe political stances, legal interpretations, and ideological rigidity. You can use it to discuss the 'prós e contras' (pros and cons) of being uncompromising. For instance, is it good for a leader to be intransigente regarding human rights? You should be able to use it in the passive voice or with more advanced verbal structures: 'A postura intransigente tem sido criticada pela imprensa.' (The uncompromising stance has been criticized by the press). You should also be able to distinguish the subtle differences in tone. For example, using 'intransigente' to describe someone's integrity is a compliment, while using it to describe their management style might be a criticism. At B2, you should be able to follow a fast-paced debate where this word is used frequently. You can also use it to write essays about social conflicts or historical events. It is a word that appears often in 'vestibular' (university entrance) exams and formal writing in Brazil and Portugal. Your ability to use it correctly in these contexts shows a high level of language competence.

At the C1 level, you use 'intransigente' with full mastery of its stylistic and rhetorical potential. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, philosophical positions, or the 'rigor' of a scientific method. You might say, 'A ciência exige uma busca intransigente pela evidência.' (Science demands an uncompromising search for evidence). At this level, you understand the historical and literary weight of the word. You can use it to describe the tragic flaw of a character in a classic Portuguese novel, like those by Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis. You should also be able to use the adverb 'intransigentemente' (uncompromisingly) to modify verbs: 'Ele defendeu intransigentemente os seus princípios.' (He uncompromisingly defended his principles). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'intransigibilidade' (the quality of being non-negotiable). You can use 'intransigente' to create irony or to emphasize a point in a sophisticated way. In professional writing, you use it to set a firm tone in legal documents or high-level corporate communications. You are not just using the word; you are using it to influence the tone and impact of your message.

At the C2 level, 'intransigente' is integrated into a deep, native-like understanding of Portuguese. You can use it in highly nuanced discussions about ethics, law, and human nature. You might explore the paradox of 'intransigência tolerante' or use the word in poetic and metaphorical ways. Your use of the word is flawless across all registers, from the most formal academic papers to subtle social commentary. You understand how the word interacts with the cultural history of Portuguese-speaking nations—for example, how 'intransigência' was viewed during different political regimes. You can use it to critique complex social structures or to provide a deep psychological profile of a person. In a C2 context, you might use 'intransigente' to describe a specific aesthetic or a 'visão de mundo' (worldview) that refuses to succumb to popular trends. You are capable of using the word to engage in high-level intellectual discourse, making fine distinctions between 'firmeza de caráter' (firmness of character) and 'intransigência cega' (blind rigidity). Your mastery allows you to use the word with precision, elegance, and perfect contextual appropriateness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

intransigente in 30 Seconds

Intransigente describes a person or stance that is completely uncompromising and unwilling to negotiate or change a point of view, regardless of the circumstances.
It is a formal adjective that is gender-neutral in Portuguese, meaning it remains the same whether you are describing a male or a female subject.
While it can be used negatively to mean stubborn, it can also be used positively to describe someone who is fiercely loyal to their moral principles.
Commonly heard in politics, law, and formal debates, it is a key term for expressing rigidity and the absence of flexibility in any situation.

The Portuguese adjective intransigente is a powerful word used to describe someone who is uncompromising, inflexible, or absolutely unwilling to change their mind, opinions, or behavior. While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being stubborn or difficult, it is also used in contexts where someone holds firm to their principles or high standards. In the Portuguese-speaking world, you will encounter this word in a variety of settings ranging from formal political debates to everyday family disagreements. It is fundamentally about the refusal to 'transigir' (to compromise or yield).

Core Meaning: The state of being unwilling to negotiate or make concessions; a rigid adherence to a specific point of view.

O negociador foi totalmente intransigente durante a reunião de ontem.

In a professional environment, calling a colleague 'intransigente' suggests they are blocking progress by not listening to other perspectives. However, in a moral context, being 'intransigente com a corrupção' (uncompromising with corruption) is seen as a highly positive trait, showing integrity and strength of character. This duality makes it a versatile word that requires careful attention to the surrounding context to interpret its emotional weight.

Social Nuance: In Brazilian culture, where 'cordialidade' (cordiality) and finding a 'jeitinho' (a way around) are common, being 'intransigente' can sometimes be perceived as being socially abrasive or overly rigid.

Não seja tão intransigente com as crianças; elas precisam de flexibilidade.

A posição intransigente do governo impediu o avanço das negociações de paz.

Synonyms in Context: While 'teimoso' means stubborn in a general sense, 'intransigente' implies a refusal to compromise on a specific point of view or principle.

Ela é intransigente quando se trata de seus valores éticos.

O juiz foi intransigente na aplicação da lei, sem abrir exceções.

To use this word effectively, think of it as the opposite of 'flexível' (flexible). If a situation requires a 'give and take' and someone refuses to 'give,' they are being 'intransigente.' It is a word that commands respect when used to describe integrity, but can sound like an accusation when used in a collaborative setting.

Using intransigente correctly involves understanding its placement and its relationship with the verb 'ser' or 'estar'. Most commonly, we use 'ser' because being uncompromising is often viewed as a personality trait or a fixed stance. However, 'estar' can be used if someone is being particularly difficult in a specific moment.

Grammatical Placement: It usually follows the noun it modifies or the verb 'ser/estar'. Since it ends in 'e', it does not change for masculine or feminine nouns.

Ele é um homem intransigente.

Ela é uma mulher intransigente.

When you want to specify what someone is uncompromising about, use the preposition 'com' (with) or 'em relação a' (in relation to). For example, 'Ele é intransigente com atrasos' (He is uncompromising with lateness). This construction is very common in professional settings to describe management styles or company policies.

Common Contexts: Politics, Law, Parenting, and Corporate Negotiations are the most frequent domains for this word.

O partido manteve uma postura intransigente sobre a reforma.

Meus pais eram intransigentes quanto ao horário de chegar em casa.

O diretor é intransigente com falhas de segurança.

Advanced Usage: In literary or academic Portuguese, 'intransigente' can describe an abstract idea or a logic that allows no exceptions.

A lógica intransigente da matemática não permite erros de cálculo.

To sound more natural, avoid using it for trivial things like food preferences (where 'enjoado' or 'exigente' might be better) and save it for matters of opinion, behavior, and rules. It is a word with weight.

You will hear intransigente most frequently in formal news broadcasts, political commentary, and debates. If a strike is happening and the union and the company cannot agree, the reporter might say, 'Ambos os lados permanecem intransigentes' (Both sides remain uncompromising). In Portuguese cinema and literature, it is often used to describe the 'patriarca' (patriarch) of a family who refuses to accept change or modern values.

Media Usage: Journalists use it to describe diplomatic stalemates or rigid legislative stances.

A ONU criticou a postura intransigente dos líderes em conflito.

In the workplace, during performance reviews or meetings, a manager might use it to describe a policy that cannot be bent: 'Nossa política de privacidade é intransigente.' This signals that there is zero room for negotiation.

Daily Life: While formal, it is used in serious personal conversations to set boundaries.

Eu tentei conversar, mas ele foi intransigente e não quis ouvir meu lado.

O regulamento do condomínio é intransigente quanto ao barulho após as 22h.

A crítica foi intransigente com o novo filme do diretor.

Common Phrasings: 'Postura intransigente', 'Atitude intransigente', and 'Líder intransigente' are the most common word pairings you will encounter.

If you are watching a Brazilian soap opera (telenovela), the antagonist is often described as 'intransigente' to highlight their role as an obstacle to the protagonist's happiness.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with intransigente is attempting to change its ending based on gender. Because many Portuguese adjectives end in '-o' or '-a', students often say 'intransigenta' for women. This is incorrect. The word ends in '-e', making it uniform for all genders.

Gender Neutrality: Always use 'intransigente' for both 'ele' (he) and 'ela' (she).

Errado: Ela é muito intransigenta. Correto: Ela é muito intransigente.

Another common error is confusing 'intransigente' with 'teimoso'. While they are similar, 'teimoso' is more informal and often implies a childish or irrational stubbornness (like a child refusing to eat broccoli). 'Intransigente' is more formal and usually implies a refusal to compromise on a position, principle, or rule.

Confusing with 'Exigente': 'Exigente' means demanding or having high standards. Someone can be 'exigente' but still 'flexível'. An 'intransigente' person won't even negotiate.

O professor é exigente (demanding), mas não é intransigente (uncompromising).

Não confunda ser firme com ser intransigente.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the plural form. Remember that adjectives ending in '-e' simply add an '-s'.

Preposition Errors: Avoid using 'de' after intransigente. Use 'com' or 'quanto a' to specify the subject of the rigidity.

Errado: Ele é intransigente de regras. Correto: Ele é intransigente com as regras.

Lastly, avoid using it in very casual contexts where 'cabeça dura' (hard-headed) would be more appropriate. Using 'intransigente' at a bar with friends might sound slightly too formal or dramatic.

To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to compare intransigente with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning.

Teimoso vs. Intransigente: 'Teimoso' is 'stubborn'—often used for kids or irrational behavior. 'Intransigente' is 'uncompromising'—used for principles and formal stances.

O menino é teimoso e não quer tomar banho.

O filósofo era intransigente em sua busca pela verdade.

Obstinado: This means 'obstinate' or 'persistent'. It is often more positive than intransigente, implying a strong will to achieve a goal.

Ele foi obstinado e conseguiu terminar a maratona.

Irredutível: This literally means 'irreducible' but is used to mean someone whose position cannot be changed at all.

Sua decisão sobre a venda da casa é irredutível.

O regulamento é muito rígido.

O pai era severo com os filhos.

If you want to be more colloquial, you can use 'cabeça-dura' (hard-headed) or 'turrão' (stubborn/grumpy). These are great for informal conversations with friends or family where 'intransigente' might feel too clinical. For example, 'Meu avô é um velho turrão' (My grandfather is a stubborn old man).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word gained significant political usage in the 19th century to describe political parties that refused to make any deals with their opponents, particularly in Spain and later in Latin America.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ĩ.tɾɐ̃.zi.ˈʒẽ.tɨ/

US /ĩ.tɾɐ̃.zi.ˈʒẽ.tʃi/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'gen'.

Rhymes With

contingente prudente ausente presente gerente crente parente serpente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' fully like in English 'in'. It should be a nasal vowel.
Changing the ending to 'a' for females (intransigenta).
Pronouncing the 'g' like the 'g' in 'go' instead of 'measure'.
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Forgetting to make it plural (intransigentes) when referring to multiple people.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'intransigent'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering it doesn't change for gender and using correct prepositions.

Speaking 5/5

Nasal vowels 'in' and 'an' can be challenging for English speakers.

Listening 4/5

Common in news and formal speech, but can be spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

teimoso regras opinião mudar acordo

Learn Next

intransigência inflexível obstinado transigir maleável

Advanced

irredutível dogmático peremptório tenaz pertinaz

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in 'e' are uniform for gender.

O homem intransigente / A mulher intransigente.

Pluralization of adjectives ending in 'e' adds 's'.

Eles são intransigentes.

Use of 'com' for specifying the object of the adjective.

Intransigente com o barulho.

Nasalization of 'in' and 'an' syllables.

In-tran-si-gen-te (all nasalized except 'si').

Placement usually after the noun.

Uma postura intransigente.

Examples by Level

O meu pai é muito intransigente.

My father is very uncompromising.

Uses 'ser' to describe a personality trait.

Ela não é intransigente.

She is not uncompromising.

Negative form using 'não'.

Você é intransigente?

Are you uncompromising?

Simple question structure.

O chefe é intransigente.

The boss is uncompromising.

Noun 'chefe' followed by the adjective.

Eles são intransigentes.

They are uncompromising.

Plural form of the adjective.

Um professor intransigente é difícil.

An uncompromising teacher is difficult.

Adjective modifying the noun 'professor'.

Não seja intransigente.

Don't be uncompromising.

Imperative negative form.

A regra é intransigente.

The rule is uncompromising.

Describing an abstract noun 'regra'.

O gerente foi intransigente com o erro.

The manager was uncompromising with the error.

Use of 'com' to show what they are uncompromising about.

Somos intransigentes quanto à pontualidade.

We are uncompromising regarding punctuality.

Use of 'quanto à' for specific topics.

Ela tem uma opinião intransigente.

She has an uncompromising opinion.

Adjective modifying 'opinião'.

O juiz é conhecido por ser intransigente.

The judge is known for being uncompromising.

Infinitive 'ser' after 'por'.

Por que você está tão intransigente hoje?

Why are you being so uncompromising today?

Use of 'estar' for a temporary state.

As leis são muito intransigentes neste país.

The laws are very uncompromising in this country.

Plural feminine noun 'leis' with plural adjective.

O diretor não quis ser intransigente.

The director didn't want to be uncompromising.

Compound verb 'quis ser'.

É uma postura muito intransigente.

It's a very uncompromising stance.

Adjective modifying 'postura'.

A negociação falhou porque o sindicato foi intransigente.

The negotiation failed because the union was uncompromising.

Causal clause with 'porque'.

Ele é intransigente em relação aos seus princípios morais.

He is uncompromising regarding his moral principles.

Complex preposition 'em relação aos'.

A intransigência do governo gerou protestos.

The government's intransigence sparked protests.

Introduction of the noun form 'intransigência'.

Não podemos ser intransigentes em um trabalho de equipe.

We cannot be uncompromising in teamwork.

Modal verb 'podemos' + 'ser'.

Sua atitude intransigente está dificultando o acordo.

Your uncompromising attitude is making the agreement difficult.

Present continuous 'está dificultando'.

Apesar de ser intransigente, ele é um bom profissional.

Despite being uncompromising, he is a good professional.

Concessive phrase 'Apesar de'.

O contrato tem cláusulas intransigentes.

The contract has uncompromising clauses.

Plural adjective modifying 'cláusulas'.

Eles foram intransigentes e não aceitaram a proposta.

They were uncompromising and did not accept the proposal.

Past tense 'foram' and 'aceitaram'.

A diplomacia exige que nenhum lado seja totalmente intransigente.

Diplomacy requires that neither side be totally uncompromising.

Subjunctive mood 'seja' after 'exige que'.

A crítica foi intransigente ao avaliar o novo livro.

The critic was uncompromising when evaluating the new book.

Gerund phrase 'ao avaliar'.

É necessário combater a postura intransigente de alguns setores.

It is necessary to combat the uncompromising stance of some sectors.

Impersonal expression 'É necessário'.

O debate tornou-se difícil devido a posições intransigentes.

The debate became difficult due to uncompromising positions.

Pronominal verb 'tornou-se'.

Ela defende de forma intransigente a liberdade de expressão.

She uncompromisingly defends freedom of expression.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma intransigente'.

Ser intransigente nem sempre é um sinal de força.

Being uncompromising is not always a sign of strength.

Subject as an infinitive phrase.

A empresa mantém uma política intransigente contra o assédio.

The company maintains an uncompromising policy against harassment.

Direct object 'uma política intransigente'.

Muitos conflitos surgem da natureza intransigente do ser humano.

Many conflicts arise from the uncompromising nature of human beings.

Prepositional phrase 'da natureza...'.

A obra do autor revela uma visão intransigente da realidade social.

The author's work reveals an uncompromising view of social reality.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'revela', 'visão'.

O rigor científico deve ser intransigente na busca por dados precisos.

Scientific rigor must be uncompromising in the search for precise data.

Passive voice with modal 'deve ser'.

O filósofo era intransigentemente fiel às suas convicções.

The philosopher was uncompromisingly faithful to his convictions.

Use of the adverb 'intransigentemente'.

A intransigibilidade de certas normas garante a ordem pública.

The non-negotiable nature of certain norms guarantees public order.

Use of the rare noun 'intransigibilidade'.

O sistema jurídico, por vezes, mostra-se intransigente com as nuances.

The legal system sometimes shows itself to be uncompromising with nuances.

Reflexive verb 'mostra-se'.

Houve uma recusa intransigente em participar do diálogo proposto.

There was an uncompromising refusal to participate in the proposed dialogue.

Noun phrase 'recusa intransigente'.

O fundamentalismo é, por definição, uma ideologia intransigente.

Fundamentalism is, by definition, an uncompromising ideology.

Parenthetical expression 'por definição'.

A estética do filme é intransigente, sem concessões ao comercialismo.

The film's aesthetic is uncompromising, with no concessions to commercialism.

Use of 'sem concessões' as a synonymic explanation.

A intransigência, quando desprovida de ética, torna-se mera tirania.

Intransigence, when devoid of ethics, becomes mere tyranny.

Complex sentence with a conditional clause.

Ele pautou sua vida por uma busca intransigente pela excelência.

He guided his life by an uncompromising search for excellence.

Verbal expression 'pautou sua vida por'.

A dialética entre o flexível e o intransigente permeia a história política.

The dialectic between the flexible and the uncompromising permeates political history.

Abstract philosophical subject.

O texto legal é intransigente quanto à interpretação literal das normas.

The legal text is uncompromising regarding the literal interpretation of the norms.

Precise legal terminology.

Sua intransigência intelectual impedia-o de aceitar teorias alternativas.

His intellectual intransigence prevented him from accepting alternative theories.

Object pronoun 'impedia-o'.

A tragédia reside na colisão de duas vontades igualmente intransigentes.

The tragedy lies in the collision of two equally uncompromising wills.

Literary analysis structure.

O artista manteve-se intransigente diante das pressões do mercado.

The artist remained uncompromising in the face of market pressures.

Reflexive verb 'manteve-se' + 'diante de'.

A intransigência dogmática frequentemente obstrui o progresso social.

Dogmatic intransigence often obstructs social progress.

Adjective 'dogmática' modifying the noun form.

Common Collocations

Postura intransigente

Líder intransigente

Defesa intransigente

Regra intransigente

Caráter intransigente

Atitude intransigente

Negociador intransigente

Crítica intransigente

Lógica intransigente

Moral intransigente

Common Phrases

Ser intransigente com...

— To be uncompromising regarding a specific thing.

Ele é intransigente com mentiras.

Manter-se intransigente

— To stay or remain uncompromising over time.

O governo manteve-se intransigente na sua decisão.

Posição intransigente

— A fixed and unchangeable stance on an issue.

Eles adotaram uma posição intransigente sobre o preço.

Intransigente nos seus valores

— Refusing to compromise on what one believes is right.

Ela é intransigente nos seus valores éticos.

Lutar de forma intransigente

— To fight for something without accepting any middle ground.

Lutaremos de forma intransigente pela nossa terra.

Tornar-se intransigente

— To become uncompromising as a result of something.

Ele tornou-se intransigente após a traição.

Revelar-se intransigente

— To show oneself to be uncompromising.

O diretor revelou-se intransigente durante a greve.

Postura política intransigente

— A political stance that allows no room for negotiation.

A postura política intransigente levou ao impasse.

Intransigente com o erro

— Not allowing any mistakes or failures.

O cirurgião é intransigente com o erro médico.

Totalmente intransigente

— Completely and utterly uncompromising.

O pai foi totalmente intransigente sobre a viagem.

Often Confused With

intransigente vs Inteligente

They sound slightly similar but mean completely different things (Intelligent vs Uncompromising).

intransigente vs Indulgente

This is actually the opposite! Indulgente means lenient or permissive.

intransigente vs Instigante

Means thought-provoking or stimulating. Easy to confuse because of the 'In-' and '-te' structure.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bater o pé"

— To insist on something and refuse to change your mind; to be intransigente.

Eu bati o pé e disse que não ia.

Informal

"Ser cabeça-dura"

— To be hard-headed or very stubborn.

Meu irmão é muito cabeça-dura.

Informal

"Não arredar pé"

— To not move an inch from one's position or location.

Ele não arredou pé da sua proposta inicial.

Neutral

"Fincar o pé"

— Similar to 'bater o pé', to establish a firm, unyielding position.

Ela fincou o pé e não aceitou o acordo.

Informal

"Ser um turrão"

— To be a stubborn, often grumpy, person.

Aquele chefe é um turrão intransigente.

Informal

"Dar murro em ponta de faca"

— To insist on something that is useless or won't change; often what an intransigente person does.

Tentar convencê-lo é dar murro em ponta de faca.

Idiomatic

"Fazer ouvidos de mercador"

— To ignore what others say; to be intransigente to advice.

Falei com ele, mas ele fez ouvidos de mercador.

Idiomatic

"Não dar o braço a torcer"

— To refuse to admit you are wrong or to give in.

Ele é intransigente e não dá o braço a torcer.

Informal

"Comer corda"

— To be easily influenced (opposite of intransigente, but used in contrast).

Ele não come corda, é muito intransigente.

Slang (Brazil)

"Ser de ferro"

— To be extremely strong-willed and uncompromising.

Em negociações, ele é de ferro.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

intransigente vs Teimoso

Both mean stubborn.

Teimoso is informal and often implies irrationality. Intransigente is formal and implies a refusal to compromise on principles.

O menino teimoso não quer comer; O juiz intransigente não quer negociar.

intransigente vs Exigente

Both imply high standards.

Exigente means demanding. An exigente person can still be flexible. An intransigente person will not budge.

O professor é exigente com as notas, mas não é intransigente com o prazo.

intransigente vs Severo

Both imply a lack of softness.

Severo means strict or harsh in punishment. Intransigente means unwilling to change a position.

Ele foi severo na punição, mas intransigente na regra.

intransigente vs Rígido

Both imply lack of flexibility.

Rígido often refers to physical things or systems. Intransigente refers mostly to people's attitudes or specific stances.

O metal é rígido; O negociador é intransigente.

intransigente vs Obstinado

Both imply staying on a path.

Obstinado is usually positive (persevering). Intransigente is often neutral or negative (uncompromising).

O cientista obstinado descobriu a cura.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + ser + intransigente.

O professor é intransigente.

[Subject] + ser + intransigente + com + [Object].

Ela é intransigente com o horário.

Apesar de [Subject] ser intransigente, [Result].

Apesar de ser intransigente, ele ouviu a proposta.

[Subject] + manter + uma postura + intransigente.

O governo manteve uma postura intransigente.

A [Noun Form] de [Subject] + [Verb] + [Result].

A intransigência do diretor causou a demissão.

[Subject] + pautar + [Object] + por uma + busca + intransigente.

Ele pautou sua carreira por uma busca intransigente pela perfeição.

General

[Subject] + tornar-se + intransigente.

Eles tornaram-se intransigentes com o tempo.

General

Não seja + [Adverb] + intransigente.

Não seja tão intransigente.

Word Family

Nouns

intransigência (uncompromisingness/rigidity)

intransigibilidade (the state of being non-negotiable)

Verbs

transigir (to compromise/to yield - the root verb)

intransigir (to refuse to compromise - less common but exists)

Adjectives

intransigente (uncompromising)

transigente (flexible/compromising)

rigidez

obstinação

teimosia

inflexibilidade

firmeza

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal contexts (news, business, law); Moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Ela é intransigenta. → Ela é intransigente.
Adjectives ending in 'e' are the same for both genders. There is no 'intransigenta'.
Ele é intransigente de regras. → Ele é intransigente com as regras.
The correct preposition to use with 'intransigente' is 'com' (with) or 'quanto a' (regarding).
O menino é intransigente e não quer o brinquedo. → O menino é teimoso e não quer o brinquedo.
'Intransigente' is too formal for a child's tantrum. 'Teimoso' is much better here.
Eles são intransigente. → Eles são intransigentes.
You must pluralize the adjective to match the plural subject.
Pronouncing 'in' like English 'inn'. → Pronouncing 'in' as a nasal vowel.
In Portuguese, 'in' at the start of a word is a nasalized sound, not a hard 'n'.

Tips

Use for Principles

Use 'intransigente' when you want to praise someone for not compromising their moral values. It sounds much more respectful than 'teimoso'.

Gender Trap

Don't fall into the trap of saying 'intransigenta'. Even though many adjectives change to 'a' for females, those ending in 'e' do not.

Nasal Power

Practice the nasal 'in' and 'an'. If you master these, you will sound much more like a native speaker. Think of the sound vibrating in your nose.

Be Careful with Tone

Calling a coworker 'intransigente' is a serious accusation of being uncooperative. Use it only if you really mean it in a formal sense.

Business Meetings

In business, use 'intransigente' to describe a party that is not moving from their price or conditions. It's a standard professional term.

Adverbial Use

Try using the adverb 'intransigentemente' in your essays to describe how someone defends an idea. It adds a high level of sophistication.

News Keywords

When you hear 'intransigente' on the news, listen for the word 'impasse'. They are often used together to describe a situation that is stuck.

Synonym Variety

Switch between 'intransigente', 'inflexível', and 'irredutível' to avoid repeating yourself in formal writing.

Cognate Advantage

Since it's almost the same as the English 'intransigent', use that connection to lock the meaning in your long-term memory.

Regional Nuance

In Brazil, the ending 'te' is a 'chee' sound. In Portugal, it's more like a soft 't'. Both are correct, so choose the one that matches your target accent.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IN-TRANSIT'. If you are intransigente, you are NOT (in) moving or changing (transit) your position. You are stuck where you are.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, heavy stone wall that refuses to move even when a bulldozer pushes against it. That wall is 'intransigente'.

Word Web

Inflexible Stubborn Rigid Stubborn Firm Unyielding Strict Uncompromising

Challenge

Try to describe three people you know using the word 'intransigente'. One should be a positive example (integrity) and two should be negative examples (stubbornness).

Word Origin

From the Latin 'intransigens', which is the negative form of 'transigens', the present participle of 'transigere' (to come to an agreement, to settle).

Original meaning: The original Latin meaning was literally 'not coming to an agreement' or 'not settling a matter'.

It is a Romance language word derived directly from Latin, sharing cognates with French 'intransigeant' and Spanish 'intransigente'.

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone 'intransigente' to their face; it is a strong word that can be taken as an insult, implying they are impossible to work with.

The English word 'intransigent' is almost identical in meaning but is used slightly less frequently in daily conversation than the Portuguese 'intransigente'.

Machado de Assis often used characters with 'caráter intransigente' to explore social dynamics in 19th-century Brazil. Political manifestos in Portugal often use the word to describe their 'unwavering' commitment to certain ideals. Telenovela villains are frequently characterized by their 'postura intransigente' toward the hero.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Chefe intransigente
Política intransigente
Negociação intransigente
Postura intransigente

Politics

Governo intransigente
Oposição intransigente
Líder intransigente
Ideologia intransigente

Family

Pai intransigente
Mãe intransigente
Avô intransigente
Regras intransigentes

Law

Juiz intransigente
Lei intransigente
Pena intransigente
Aplicação intransigente

Ethics

Moral intransigente
Defesa intransigente
Valores intransigentes
Busca intransigente

Conversation Starters

"Você se considera uma pessoa intransigente em algum aspecto da sua vida?"

"Qual é a coisa com a qual você é mais intransigente?"

"Você acha que ser intransigente é uma qualidade ou um defeito?"

"Você já teve que lidar com um chefe muito intransigente?"

"Em que situações é melhor ser flexível do que intransigente?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você foi intransigente e se arrependeu (ou não).

Descreva uma pessoa intransigente que você admira por seus princípios.

Como a intransigência afeta as relações pessoais hoje em dia?

Reflexão: A intransigência é necessária para o sucesso profissional?

Imagine um mundo onde ninguém é intransigente. Como seria?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'intransigente' is a common-gender adjective. It stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. For example, you say 'homem intransigente' and 'mulher intransigente'.

It depends on the context. In a negotiation, it's usually negative, implying the person is difficult. In a moral context, it can be positive, implying the person has strong principles.

The noun form is 'intransigência'. For example: 'A intransigência dele nos impediu de chegar a um acordo' (His intransigence prevented us from reaching an agreement).

It's a nasal vowel. You don't pronounce the 'n' like in the English word 'in'. Instead, you produce the 'i' sound through your nose. It's similar to the sound in the French word 'vin'.

You can, but 'teimoso' is much more common and appropriate for children. 'Intransigente' sounds very formal when used for a child's behavior.

It is 'intransigente com'. For example: 'Ele é intransigente com o barulho'. You can also use 'quanto a' for specific topics: 'Intransigente quanto às regras'.

The most direct opposite is 'transigente' (someone who compromises), but 'flexível' (flexible) is used much more frequently in everyday Portuguese.

Usually no. It describes people, attitudes, stances, or rules. For physical objects, use 'rígido' or 'duro'.

Yes, it is very common in Brazil, especially in formal speech, news, and literature. In casual speech, Brazilians might prefer 'cabeça-dura'.

Simply add an 's' at the end: 'intransigentes'. This applies to both masculine and feminine plural nouns.