やんちゃ

やんちゃ
na-adjective / noun
mischievous, naughty, rambunctious
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()だね。
What a mischievous kid.
(おとうと)はやんちゃで(こま)る。
My little brother is so naughty, it's a problem.
(わか)(ころ)はやんちゃだった。
I was wild when I was young.
うちの(いぬ)、やんちゃで(いえ)(なか)(はし)(まわ)る。
Our dog is so rambunctious, running around the house.

やんちゃ describes energetic, mischievous behavior that's often viewed with some affection despite being troublesome. While typically used for children, it can describe pets or adults recounting their wild youth.

When applied to adults, やんちゃ時代(じだい) (wild days) often implies a rebellious phase that the person has since outgrown.

Related expression:

  • やんちゃする: to act up, be naughty