yī gēn jīn: 一根筋 - One-Track Mind, Stubborn, Single-minded

• Keywords: yī gēn jīn meaning, yi gen jin, 一根筋 in English, stubborn in Chinese, one-track mind Chinese, inflexible Chinese slang, Chinese idiom for stubbornness, how to use yī gēn jīn
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 一根筋 (yī gēn jīn), a popular Chinese term used to describe someone with a “one-track mind.” This page breaks down its literal meaning of “one single tendon” to explain why it perfectly captures the essence of being stubborn, inflexible, and single-minded. Learn its cultural nuances, how it's used in everyday conversation in China, and how to avoid common mistakes when describing someone's personality.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yī gēn jīn
• Part of Speech: Adjective / Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: To be single-minded, stubborn, and mentally inflexible.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a tendon in your body. It's strong and has a set direction. Now, imagine a person's brain working like a single, unbending tendon—that's 一根筋. This term vividly describes someone who thinks in a straight line, unable to adapt, compromise, or see things from another perspective. They get stuck on one idea and can't be swayed, for better or for worse.

• 一 (yī): The number “one” or “single.”
• 根 (gēn): A measure word for long, thin objects. It can mean “root” or “stick,” but here it's best understood as a measure word for a strand or fiber.
• 筋 (jīn): “Tendon” or “sinew.”

When combined, 一根筋 (yī gēn jīn) literally translates to “one single tendon.” This powerful metaphor creates the image of a mind that is not a complex, flexible network, but a single, taut cord. It cannot be bent, twisted, or re-routed, perfectly capturing the essence of mental rigidity.

In a culture that highly values social harmony, flexibility (`灵活 - línghuó`), and emotional intelligence (`情商 - qíngshāng`), being described as 一根筋 is generally not a compliment. It implies a lack of social grace and an inability to “read the room” or consider the feelings and opinions of others. It suggests a person who will plow ahead with their own logic, regardless of the social consequences. A useful Western comparison is the idea of being “principled” or “single-minded.” In the West, single-minded dedication to a goal (e.g., an artist or entrepreneur) can be seen as a great virtue. While 一根筋 can sometimes describe this persistence, it almost always carries a negative undertone of being foolishly, and often counter-productively, obstinate. The Western phrase “sticking to your guns” can be heroic; being 一根筋 is more like refusing to acknowledge that the battle has changed. It's the difference between admirable determination and frustrating bullheadedness.

一根筋 is a highly common, informal term used in everyday conversation. You'll hear it used between friends, family members, and colleagues.

• Mostly Negative Connotation: The most frequent usage is as a mild criticism or complaint. It's what you say when you're frustrated with someone who just won't listen to reason or consider a different approach. It implies they are not just stubborn, but also a bit simple or naive in their thinking.
• Neutral or Self-Deprecating: Someone might describe themselves as 一根筋 to explain their own stubborn nature in a self-aware, sometimes humorous way. In this context, it's an admission of a personal flaw.
• Rarely Positive Connotation: In very specific situations, it can be used to describe someone's unwavering, simple dedication to a task or a craft. It paints them as a purist, unconcerned with distractions. Even then, it suggests their dedication comes from a place of simplicity rather than strategic focus.

• Example 1:
  • 你别跟他争了，他就是个一根筋，说不通的。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bié gēn tā zhēng le, tā jiùshì ge yī gēn jīn, shuō bu tōng de.
  • English: Stop arguing with him. He's just got a one-track mind; you can't reason with him.
  • Analysis: This is the classic usage—a frustrated complaint about someone's stubbornness. It implies that further discussion is pointless.
• Example 2:
  • 我承认我有时候是一根筋，认准了就不想改。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ chéngrèn wǒ yǒushíhou shì yī gēn jīn, rènzhǔn le jiù bùxiǎng gǎi.
  • English: I admit I can be a bit single-minded sometimes; once I've decided on something, I don't want to change.
  • Analysis: A good example of self-deprecation. The speaker is acknowledging their own inflexibility as a personality trait.
• Example 3:
  • 我老板太一根筋了，完全不接受我们的新建议。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ lǎobǎn tài yī gēn jīn le, wánquán bù jiēshòu wǒmen de xīn jiànyì.
  • English: My boss is so stubborn; he completely refuses to accept our new suggestions.
  • Analysis: Used here to describe an inflexible authority figure. The connotation is highly negative, suggesting the boss's rigidity is hindering progress.
• Example 4:
  • 他对技术的追求很一根筋，除了代码什么都不关心。
  • Pinyin: Tā duì jìshù de zhuīqiú hěn yī gēn jīn, chúle dàimǎ shénme dōu bù guānxīn.
  • English: His pursuit of technology is very single-minded; he doesn't care about anything besides code.
  • Analysis: This is a more neutral, almost positive usage. It describes a focused passion, similar to calling someone a “purist.” It still hints at a lack of breadth, but frames it as a result of deep focus.
• Example 5:
  • 这个小孩怎么这么一根筋？非要那个红色的玩具。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiǎohái zěnme zhème yī gēn jīn? Fēi yào nàge hóngsè de wánjù.
  • English: Why is this child so stubborn? He insists on having that red toy.
  • Analysis: A common way to describe a child who is being obstinate and cannot be reasoned with or distracted.
• Example 6:
  • 你不能这么一根筋地处理问题，要学会变通。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bùnéng zhème yī gēn jīn de chǔlǐ wèntí, yào xuéhuì biàntōng.
  • English: You can't be so rigid in handling problems; you need to learn to be flexible.
  • Analysis: Here, 一根筋 is used adverbially to describe a way of doing things. The sentence offers advice, directly contrasting this trait with the desirable quality of flexibility (`变通`).
• Example 7:
  • 他这个人做事就是一根筋，让他去搞外交肯定不行。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén zuòshì jiùshì yī gēn jīn, ràng tā qù gǎo wàijiāo kěndìng bùxíng.
  • English: His way of doing things is just too inflexible; he would definitely be terrible at diplomacy.
  • Analysis: This example connects the trait to a specific skill set. It highlights that being 一根筋 is a major disadvantage in fields that require nuance and social tact.
• Example 8:
  • 我就是一根筋，我觉得这个方法是对的，我就会一直做下去。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ jiùshì yī gēn jīn, wǒ juéde zhège fāngfǎ shì duì de, wǒ jiù huì yīzhí zuò xiàqù.
  • English: I'm just a stubborn person. If I think this method is right, I will keep doing it.
  • Analysis: This shows a defiant, almost proud use of the term. The speaker is framing their stubbornness as a form of conviction.
• Example 9:
  • 他在感情上很一根筋，爱上一个人就很难改变。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài gǎnqíng shàng hěn yī gēn jīn, ài shàng yīgè rén jiù hěn nán gǎibiàn.
  • English: He is very single-minded when it comes to relationships; once he falls in love with someone, it's hard for him to change.
  • Analysis: Describes emotional inflexibility. This could be seen as loyal and devoted (positive) or as hopelessly stuck and unable to move on (negative), depending on the context.
• Example 10:
  • 别劝了，我爸的一根筋你又不是不知道。
  • Pinyin: Bié quàn le, wǒ bà de yī gēn jīn nǐ yòu bùshì bù zhīdào.
  • English: Stop trying to persuade him. It's not like you don't know how stubborn my dad is.
  • Analysis: Here, 一根筋 is used as a noun (“my dad's stubbornness”). This is a very natural, colloquial way to use the term when talking about a well-known character trait.

• Mistake 1: Confusing `一根筋` with positive persistence.
  • A common mistake for learners is to use 一根筋 to praise someone's determination. While a 一根筋 person is certainly persistent, the word emphasizes their *inability to change*, not their strength of will.
  • Incorrect: 他为了目标奋斗了十年，真一根筋！(He fought for his goal for 10 years, so single-minded!) → This sounds like you're calling him foolishly stubborn.
  • Correct: To express positive admiration, use `执着 (zhízhuó)` or `有毅力 (yǒu yìlì)`.
    • Ex: 他对目标很执着。(He is very dedicated to his goal.)
• Mistake 2: Using it in formal situations.
  • 一根筋 is slang. It's perfect for chatting with friends but completely inappropriate for a business report, a formal speech, or a respectful discussion about an elder you don't know well. In formal contexts, use `固执 (gùzhí)` for “stubborn.”
• False Friend: “One-track mind”
  • While “one-track mind” is a good starting translation, in English it often has a specific connotation of someone being obsessed with a single topic (e.g., “He has a one-track mind; all he talks about is money.”). 一根筋 is broader. It describes a rigid *process* of thinking, not necessarily a fixation on one subject. It's about *how* you think (inflexibly) rather than *what* you think about.

• 固执 (gùzhí) - The more formal, standard word for “stubborn” or “obstinate.” 一根筋 is the colloquial version.
• 死心眼 (sǐxīnyǎn) - Literally “dead heart-eye.” A very similar, informal term for someone who is hopelessly stubborn and not open to new ideas.
• 认死理 (rèn sǐlǐ) - “To recognize a dead principle.” Describes someone who clings to a rigid line of reasoning and refuses to be pragmatic. Almost a synonym.
• 钻牛角尖 (zuān niújiǎojiān) - “To drill into a bull's horn.” To get bogged down in irrelevant details; a specific type of 一根筋 behavior focused on minutiae.
• 执着 (zhízhuó) - Persistent, dedicated. This is the positive counterpart to 一根筋, emphasizing determination without the negative connotation of inflexibility.
• 灵活 (línghuó) - Flexible, agile. The direct antonym.
• 圆滑 (yuánhuá) - Smooth, slick, socially tactful. The behavioral opposite of someone who is 一根筋.
• 情商 (qíngshāng) - EQ (Emotional Quotient). A person described as 一根筋 is often considered to have low `情商`.