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JapanLingo

stubborn / strive

N3
Onyomi
Stroke count
13
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a head fixed rigidly in place, unmoved by the arrows trying to turn it, with the kanji 頑 ("stubborn") drawn into the picture.

Break 頑 down and you get 頁 (head / page) — a head bent over a page. Picture a head fixed rigidly in place, unmoved by the arrows trying to turn it, put 頑 inside it, and let that scene stand for "stubborn" — stubborn / strive. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 13

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 13 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

ganko

stubborn

katakuna

obstinate

ganbaru

to do one's best

gankona

attributive: stubborn (before a noun)

katakunana

attributive: obstinate (before a noun)

ganbatte

do one's best — te-form

Example sentences (4)

ashita no shiken, ganbarimasu.

I will do my best on tomorrow's exam.

muri o shinaide, jibun no peesu de ganbatta hou ga ii desu.

It is better to do your best at your own pace without overdoing it.

kazoku ga ouen shite kureru kara, ganbaremasu.

I can do my best because my family supports me.

saigo made akiramenaide ganbaritai to omoimasu.

I want to keep trying without giving up until the end.