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.
She was a tomboy when she was little.
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.
I like her boyish style of dress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.