Stubborn - Terco - Porfiada

Question

Hey guys, just wondering if there's any difference between terco and porfiada? Both have the definition of stubborn but perhaps porfiada could be the equivalent of our obstinant? The same but different, je je

Any insights in to their nuances, any experience with use, do any natives speakers use one over the other in any particular situations?

All thoughts gratefully accepted

Hola chamos, solo me preguntaba si hay alguna diferencia entre terco y porfiada. Ambos tienen la definición de 'stubborn' pero ¿quizas porfiada pueda ser el equivalente de nuestro 'obstinant'? Lo mismo pero diferente, je je!

¿Algun perspicacia sobre sus matices? Algun experencia con el uso? ¿Hay hispanohablantes que usan una sobre la otra en cualquier situación en particular?

Todos los comentarios aceptó con agradecimiento

Por favor corrijan mi español

"chamos"? -m did you mean "chavos", perhaps? - samdie, Sep 3, 2011

hmmm probably a Venezuelan habit I've picked up, pretty sure it's chamo - like dude , hey chamos, hey guys je je of course there's a strong possibility that I've got it wrong, wouldn't be the first time lol :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 3, 2011

Answer 1

I can't think of any significant difference other than "porfiado" is a word I rarely come across outside of literary Spanish. I do not see any important difference with "pertinaz", "obstinado", "tozudo", "testarudo", "cabezota", "obcecado" o "empecinado", but "tenaz" can be used in a positive way, being closer to "firm". "Contumaz" refers to this attitude when someone has made a mistake and refuses to admit it or see it (also guilty of contempt of court).

For verbs you have "empeñarse en", "empecinarse en", "obcecarse en", "aperrearse en", "emperrarse en", "obstinarse en", "porfiar en"... "Empeñarse" is the most neutral of all.

Now you have many ways to express a similar idea with different sounds.

Fabulous!!! - --Mariana--, Sep 3, 2011

yes but could you please give a little more in depth an answer please, je je, thanx Lax - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 3, 2011

True: I forgot to explain the etymology of all those words. I must be getting lazy. - lazarus1907, Sep 3, 2011

slacker! ps I haven't forgotten the audio thread I should get it set up soon, looking forward to hearing the comments from our mystery moderator :) oopsie - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 3, 2011

Answer 2

My dad used to always call me cabezón or porfiado, but I never heard him use the word terco. Go figure!

Thanks Gintar :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 3, 2011