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.
やんちゃ is used for both boys and girls and emphasizes mischievous, naughty behavior, while おてんば is specifically for girls and focuses on boyish, active traits.
活発 is a more formal, gender-neutral adjective meaning 'active' or 'lively', without the boyish connotation of おてんば.
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.