1.
lizard
A reptile with a long body, four legs, and a tail. Many species can shed their tails when threatened.
蜥蜴が石垣の隙間から顔を出した。
A lizard peeked out from a gap in the stone wall.
蜥蜴は敵に襲われると尻尾を切って逃げる。
Lizards can drop their tails to escape when attacked by enemies.
子供が庭で蜥蜴を見つけて大喜びした。
The child found a lizard in the garden and was overjoyed.
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.