きゃん

na-adjective, noun

pert; tomboyish; impudent; lively

Describes a young girl or woman who is spirited, cheeky, or boyish in a lively way. Often used in the phrase おきゃん.

See also: おきゃん

• 彼かの女じょは小ちいさい頃ころからおきゃんで、いつも男おとこの子こと遊あそんでいた。

  She has been a tomboy since she was little, always playing with the boys.

• あの子こはきゃんな性せい格かくで、初しょ対たい面めんでも物もの怖おじしない。

  That girl has a pert personality and isn't shy even with strangers.

na-adjective, noun

gallant; chivalrous

Archaic meaning related to the kanji 侠 (chivalry). Rarely used in modern Japanese; the sense is mostly encountered in historical or literary contexts.

• 侠きゃんの精せい神しんは、弱よわきを助たすけ強つよきをくじくことにある。

  The spirit of chivalry lies in helping the weak and crushing the strong.