Obstinado vs. terco vs. testarudo vs. cabezota
In Spanish, there are several words to describe someone who is stubborn or obstinate. Understanding the nuances between 'obstinado', 'terco', 'testarudo', and 'cabezota' will help you choose the most appropriate term in different contexts.
Obstinado
'Obstinado' refers to someone who is very determined to do or believe something, often to the point of being unreasonable. It suggests a person who persists in their course of action despite challenges.
Juan sigue obstinado en su decisión de no vender la casa.
(Juan remains obstinate in his decision not to sell the house.)
Luisa es muy obstinada y nunca cambia de opinión.
(Luisa is very obstinate and never changes her mind.)
Terco
'Terco' emphasizes stubbornness in refusing to change one's ideas, plans, or accept advice. It often has a negative connotation, indicating inflexibility.
Mi abuelo es muy terco y nunca admite cuando se equivoca.
(My grandfather is very stubborn and never admits when he is wrong.)
Ella es tan terca que no aceptará ayuda aunque la necesite.
(She is so stubborn that she won't accept help even if she needs it.)
Testarudo
'Testarudo' describes someone who is doggedly persistent, often in a negative sense. It implies an obstinacy that borders on being bull-headed.
El niño es testarudo y no quiere hacer los deberes.
(The child is stubborn and doesn't want to do his homework.)
Por más que le insistieron, se mantuvo testarudo en su postura.
(Despite their insistence, he remained stubborn in his stance.)
Cabezota
'Cabezota' is an informal term used for someone who is very stubborn, emphasizing a hard-headedness. It's often used affectionately or humorously.
¡Eres un cabezota! ¿Por qué no escuchas nuestros consejos?
(You are such a hard-head! Why don't you listen to our advice?)
No seas cabezota y ven con nosotros al cine.
(Don't be so stubborn and come with us to the movies.)
Summary
In summary, 'obstinado' refers to someone very determined and often unreasonable, 'terco' emphasizes inflexible stubbornness, 'testarudo' implies dogged persistence bordering on bull-headedness, and 'cabezota' is an informal, often affectionate term for a very stubborn person.