Level 4

고집

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Understanding '고집'

'고집' refers to a person's persistence or stubbornness, often implying a refusal to change one's opinion or behavior despite others' advice or reasoning. It can be positive when showing determination but often has a negative nuance when it causes conflict or difficulty in relationships.

Usage and Nuance

When someone has '고집이 세다' (strong stubbornness), it means they are very firm in their views or habits. This phrase is commonly used to describe people who are hard to persuade. Conversely, '고집을 부리다' means to insist stubbornly, often in a way that annoys others.

Common Collocations

  • 고집이 세다: to be stubborn
  • 고집을 부리다: to insist stubbornly
  • 고집을 꺾다: to give in or relent

Register and Politeness

'고집' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when criticizing someone's stubbornness, the tone might become more casual or familiar.

Learner Tip

A common mistake is confusing '고집' with simple persistence or determination. While related, '고집' often carries a slightly negative tone implying inflexibility. To express positive persistence, words like '끈기' (tenacity) might be more appropriate.

Example Sentences

그는 자신의 의견에 너무 고집이 세서 타협하기 어렵다.

Geuneun jasinui uigyeone neomu gojipi seseo tahyeophagi eoryeopda.

He is so stubborn about his opinion that it is hard to compromise.

고집을 부리다 보면 친구들과 사이가 멀어질 수 있다.

Gojipeul burida bomyeon chingudeulgwa saiga meoreojil su itda.

If you insist stubbornly, you might grow apart from your friends.

그 아이는 고집이 세지만 마음이 여리다.

Geu aineun gojipi sejiman maeumi yeorida.

That child is stubborn but has a gentle heart.