Adjective
/toseu̯ðo/
In Spanish, "tozudo" refers to a person who is difficult to persuade or who refuses to change their opinion or behavior, often in a stubborn manner. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts to describe someone who is inflexible or headstrong.
The term is frequently used in conversational language but can also appear in literary and formal contexts. The frequency of use can vary by region, but it generally maintains a consistent presence in the Spanish language.
My brother is very stubborn and never accepts that he was wrong.
Aunque le dije que no lo hiciera, fue tozudo y siguió adelante con su plan.
Even though I told him not to do it, he was obstinate and went ahead with his plan.
Los niños pueden ser tozudos cuando no quieren comer verduras.
While "tozudo" itself is not commonly featured in fixed idiomatic expressions, its synonyms and the concept of stubbornness can manifest in various sayings and phrases in Spanish that express being obstinate. Here are a few examples:
(Meaning: Someone is truly set in their ways).
Cuando se pone tozudo, es imposible razonar con él.
(Meaning: Stubbornness makes arguments futile).
Es tozudo como una mula.
(Used to emphasize someone's strong obstinacy).
Sus resultados son el reflejo de lo tozudo que es.
(Meaning: Stubbornness can lead to both positive and negative outcomes).
La tozudez no es una virtud en la negociación.
(Highlighting the downside of being obstinate).
A veces, ser tozudo puede llevar a resultados sorprendentes.
The word “tozudo” comes from the Latin “tautūdus”, which is derived from "taurulus," meaning "stubborn". Over time, its meaning has evolved to specifically denote individuals who exhibit obstinacy in their behavior or thinking.
In summary, "tozudo" is a descriptive term in Spanish for someone who demonstrates notable stubbornness. While not particularly idiomatic on its own, it holds valuable meanings in expressions related to the act of being obstinate.