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
彼女は小さい頃からおきゃんで、いつも男の子と遊んでいた。
She has been a tomboy since she was little, always playing with the boys.
あの子はきゃんな性格で、初対面でも物怖じしない。
That girl has a pert personality and isn't shy even with strangers.
na-adjective, noun
Archaic meaning related to the kanji 侠 (chivalry). Rarely used in modern Japanese; the sense is mostly encountered in historical or literary contexts.
侠の精神は、弱きを助け強きをくじくことにある。
The spirit of chivalry lies in helping the weak and crushing the strong.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 侠 means 'chivalry' and is likely an ateji for the archaic sense. The modern sense 'pert, tomboyish' may have developed from a different root, possibly related to おきゃん.