Translation guide
A girl who behaves in ways traditionally considered boyish. Japanese has several terms, but the most common and neutral is おてんば. Others carry different nuances, from positive to negative.
Describing a girl who is active, likes rough play, or has boyish interests, without strong negative or positive connotation.
The most common and neutral word for a tomboy. Often used for young girls. Can be used affectionately or descriptively.
彼女は小さい頃、おてんばだった。
She was a tomboy when she was little.
うちの娘はおてんばで、いつも外で遊んでいる。
My daughter is a tomboy and is always playing outside.
Loanword from English 'boyish'. Often used for fashion or appearance, describing a girl with short hair or boyish style. Can also describe personality.
彼女のボーイッシュな服装が好きだ。
I like her boyish style of dress.
ボーイッシュな女の子ってかっこいいよね。
Boyish girls are cool, aren't they?
Literally 'surpassing men'. Describes a woman who is stronger, more capable, or more assertive than men. Can be positive (strong woman) or negative (unfeminine), depending on context. Often used for adults.
彼女は男勝りな性格で、仕事もバリバリこなす。
She has a personality that surpasses men and works very efficiently.
Describing the trait or behavior itself, rather than the person.
Adjectival form of おてんば. Used to describe a girl or her actions as tomboyish.
おてんばな女の子が木に登っている。
A tomboyish girl is climbing a tree.
Means mischievous, naughty, or playful. Often used for children, both boys and girls. When applied to a girl, it can imply tomboyish behavior with a sense of harmless mischief.
やんちゃな娘で、よくいたずらをする。
She's a mischievous girl and often plays pranks.
Referring to a tomboy in a more traditional or slightly derogatory way.
Literally 'restive horse'. Refers to a wild, uncontrollable girl or woman. Can be used humorously or critically. Often implies stubbornness and lack of femininity.
Can sound old-fashioned or sexist. Use with care.
彼女はじゃじゃ馬で、誰も手がつけられない。
She's a wild tomboy that no one can handle.
おてんば focuses on behavior and personality (active, rough play), while ボーイッシュ often refers to appearance or style (short hair, boyish clothes). However, they can overlap.
彼女はおてんばだけど、服装はボーイッシュじゃない。
She is a tomboy, but her clothes aren't boyish.
Do not translate 'tomboy' directly as '男の子のような女の子' (a girl like a boy) in most contexts. It sounds unnatural and overly explanatory. Use おてんば or ボーイッシュ instead.