Describes a girl or young woman who is lively, active, and enjoys rough or boyish activities. Often used affectionately or with mild exasperation.
She's been a tomboy since she was little, and often climbed trees.
My daughter is such a tomboy that she tears her skirts right away.
Usually written in kana. The kanji forms お転婆, 御転婆, and 於転婆 are rare and not recommended for learners.
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
The origin is disputed. A frequently proposed source is Dutch ontembaar “untamable,” though the historical evidence is inconclusive; the spelling 転婆 is ateji.