やんちゃ

やんちゃ
na-adjective, noun
mischievous, naughty, rambunctious
informalpersonalitydescriptive
See also: やんちゃする (verb form)
1. mischievous, naughty, rambunctious
Describes playfully disobedient or energetically troublesome behavior, especially in children. Can also refer to someone with a wild or rebellious past.
やんちゃな子(こ)だね。
What a mischievous kid.
弟(おとうと)はやんちゃで困(こま)る。
My little brother is so naughty, it's a problem.
若(わか)い頃(ころ)はやんちゃだった。
I was wild when I was young.
うちの犬(いぬ)、やんちゃで家(いえ)の中(なか)を走(はし)り回(まわ)る。
Our dog is so rambunctious, running around the house.

Usage

やんちゃ describes energetic, mischievous behavior that is usually viewed with some affection. It is used mainly for children and pets; adults use it about their own wild youth: 若(わか)い頃(ころ)はやんちゃだった, やんちゃ時代(じだい) (one's wild days), implying a phase they have outgrown.

Similar words

  • わんぱく: boisterous and full of energy (of boys); more positive.
  • いたずら: a prank, a mischievous act; やんちゃ describes the character, いたずら the deed.

Related Words

Compare: 悪戯好(いたずらず)き (mischievous)
Compare: いたずら (a prank, a mischievous act)
general
Added 2026.2.1 17:15 · Revised 2026.10.2 15:55
09000/09359_yancha