固执己见...
gu zhi ji jian...
Stick to view...
Literally: Stubbornly (固) hold (执) to one's own (己) view (见)
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone who is stubbornly clinging to their opinions.
- Carries a negative tone suggesting a refusal to listen to others.
- Common in professional, literary, or serious interpersonal discussions.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who is incredibly stubborn and refuses to listen to anyone else's advice. It is like they are locked in a room with their own opinion and have thrown away the key.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a difficult colleague
他在会议上固执己见，完全不听大家的建议。
He stuck to his views in the meeting, completely ignoring everyone's suggestions.
Texting a friend about a stubborn mutual acquaintance
别跟他争了，他这人总是固执己见。
Stop arguing with him; he's always so set in his ways.
A parent talking about a child's clothing choices
外面下雪了，他却固执己见非要穿短裤。
It's snowing outside, but he's stubbornly insisting on wearing shorts.
Cultural Background
Emphasis on collective harmony makes this a strong criticism.
Context is key
Only use this when you are ready to be critical.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone who is stubbornly clinging to their opinions.
- Carries a negative tone suggesting a refusal to listen to others.
- Common in professional, literary, or serious interpersonal discussions.
What It Means
固执己见 is all about that 'my way or the highway' energy. It describes a person who sticks to their own ideas. They do this even when everyone else disagrees. It is more than just being firm. It implies a certain level of pigheadedness. You are not just right; you are refusing to be wrong.
How To Use It
You usually use this as a verb phrase. You can say someone 'is' 固执己见. It often follows a person's name or a pronoun. It sounds a bit like a character critique. Use it when someone ignores logic or facts. It fits perfectly when a friend refuses to use GPS. Even when they are clearly lost in a forest.
When To Use It
Use it in debates or when discussing a difficult boss. It works well in academic writing or news reports. It is great for describing a stubborn character in a movie. You can use it when venting to a partner. 'Why is he so 固执己见 about the budget?' It adds a touch of intellectual weight to your complaint.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it as a compliment for 'persistence.' If someone is working hard toward a goal, use 坚持不懈. 固执己见 has a negative, 'annoyingly stubborn' vibe. Avoid using it to your boss's face. Unless you are looking for a very dramatic exit. It is a bit too sharp for polite small talk.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from classical Chinese roots. Chinese culture often values harmony and the 'Middle Way.' Being 固执己见 is seen as breaking that harmony. It suggests you are putting your ego above the group. In a collective society, this is a significant social faux pas. It is the opposite of being 'open-minded' or 虚怀若谷.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 固执 for 'stubborn.' That is the shorter, more common adjective. Another similar one is 一意孤行. That means 'to go one's own way' regardless of others. 死脑筋 is a much more informal, slangy version. It literally means 'dead brain'—someone who cannot change their thinking.
Usage Notes
This is a formal idiom (chengyu). It is typically used as a predicate (verb-like) or an attribute. It carries a clear disapproving tone.
Context is key
Only use this when you are ready to be critical.
Examples
6他在会议上固执己见，完全不听大家的建议。
He stuck to his views in the meeting, completely ignoring everyone's suggestions.
Shows the phrase used in a professional setting to describe a lack of teamwork.
别跟他争了，他这人总是固执己见。
Stop arguing with him; he's always so set in his ways.
A common way to tell someone to give up on an argument.
外面下雪了，他却固执己见非要穿短裤。
It's snowing outside, but he's stubbornly insisting on wearing shorts.
Used here for a humorous, relatable daily struggle.
如果管理者固执己见，企业就很难进步。
If managers stick stubbornly to their own views, the company will struggle to progress.
Demonstrates the phrase's utility in formal analysis.
我不想再因为你固执己见而跟你吵架了。
I don't want to fight with you anymore because of your stubbornness.
Expresses frustration in an emotional context.
这位老人虽然固执己见，但心肠并不坏。
Although the old man was set in his ways, he wasn't a bad person.
Used to add nuance to a character description.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
他总是____，不听大家的建议。
The context implies a negative refusal to listen.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises他总是____，不听大家的建议。
The context implies a negative refusal to listen.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is strictly negative.
Related Phrases
刚愎自用
similarArrogant and stubborn.
