1.
lizard
A reptile with a long body, four legs, and a tail. Many species can shed their tails when threatened.
蜥蜴 refers to lizards in general.
Alternative writing: トカゲ (katakana)
Common expressions
- 蜥蜴の尻尾切り (cutting off a lizard's tail - used figuratively for sacrificing a subordinate to protect oneself)
- 蜥蜴の尻尾 (lizard's tail - something expendable)
Counter: 匹
Note
蜥蜴の尻尾切り is commonly used in business and political contexts to describe scapegoating or letting a lower-ranking person take the blame.