ương bướng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Stubborn / Obstinate: Describes a person, especially a child, who is unreasonably determined to have their own way and refuses to change their attitude or behavior despite persuasion or instruction.
- Refractory / Recalcitrant: Suggests a defiant, uncooperative, and difficult-to-manage nature.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Đứa trẻ ương bướng không chịu nghe lời. (The stubborn child refuses to listen.)
- Tính nết ương bướng của nó khiến cha mẹ rất phiền lòng. (His obstinate disposition causes his parents much distress.)
- Đừng có ương bướng như vậy! (Don't be so stubborn!)
Advanced Usage
- The word "ương bướng" is often used to describe the willful, headstrong behavior of children or young people. It carries a stronger negative connotation than simply being determined, implying a degree of irrational defiance.
Variants and Related Words
- Bướng bỉnh (adj): Stubborn, obstinate. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "ương bướng."
- Thằng bé bướng bỉnh quá. (The boy is too stubborn.)
- Cứng đầu (adj): Literally "hard-headed," meaning stubborn.
- Anh ta cứng đầu không chịu thay đổi. (He is hard-headed and refuses to change.)
- Ngang ngạnh (adj): Recalcitrant, pig-headed.
- Thái độ ngang ngạnh (A recalcitrant attitude)
Synonyms
- Stubborn: Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position.
- Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.
- Recalcitrant: Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
- Willful: Deliberate, stubborn, and often perverse.
Related Idioms
- Cứng đầu cứng cổ: Literally "hard-headed and hard-necked," an idiom emphasizing extreme stubbornness.
- Nó cứng đầu cứng cổ chẳng nghe ai. (He is pig-headed and doesn't listen to anyone.)
- Bướng như trâu: As stubborn as a buffalo.
- Đứa trẻ này bướng như trâu. (This child is as stubborn as a buffalo.)