Meaning and Nuance
The adjective しぶとい describes someone or something that is tenacious, persistent, or stubborn. It often carries a slightly negative nuance, implying that the person or thing is hard to get rid of or give up on. It can be used for people, illnesses, or even abstract things like problems.
Common Contexts
- When describing a person who refuses to give up or easily change their mind.
- When talking about a lingering illness or problem that is difficult to overcome.
- In business or negotiation contexts to praise someone's persistence.
Collocations and Patterns
- しぶとく交渉する (to negotiate tenaciously): used to describe persistent negotiation efforts.
- しぶとい風邪 (a stubborn cold): a common phrase for an illness that lasts long.
- しぶとい性格 (a stubborn personality): describing someone's character.
Usage Tips
While しぶとい can be positive when praising persistence, it often implies a stubbornness that can be annoying or problematic. Be mindful of the context and tone when using it. Avoid confusing it with 頑固 (がんこ), which is more formal and strictly means stubborn; しぶとい is more colloquial and can be used in a wider range of situations.