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道Nihongo Path
頑

頑·stubborn

On-yomi
ガン
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

13 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
頑固がんこstubborn
頑張るがんばるto do one's best
頑丈がんじょうsturdy, robust
頑強がんきょうtough, dogged

Example sentences

  1. 試験までもう少し頑張ってください。

    しけんまでもうすこしがんばってください。

    Keep at it a little longer until the exam.

  2. 祖父は頑固で人の話を聞かない。

    そふはがんこでひとのはなしをきかない。

    My grandfather is stubborn and won't listen to anyone.

  3. この机は頑丈で長持ちする。

    このつくえはがんじょうでながもちする。

    This desk is sturdy and lasts a long time.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 頑丈 as がんちょう — it is がんじょう

Memory aid

Picture it

元 (origin) with 頁 (head): a head that refuses to budge from where it started — stubborn.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 頑 mean?