1.
wilderness, open field, wild land
A vast expanse of uncultivated, undeveloped land. Evokes images of untamed natural landscapes such as grasslands, plains, or scrubland.
広大な原野が広がっている。
A vast wilderness stretches out before us.
北海道の原野を馬で駆け抜けた。
I galloped through the wilderness of Hokkaido on horseback.
かつての原野は開拓されて今では農地になっている。
The former wilderness was cultivated and is now farmland.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 広大な原野 (vast wilderness)
- 原野を開拓する (cultivate wild land)
- 原野が広がる (wilderness stretches out)
USAGE NOTES:
A literary word that conjures images of vast, untouched landscapes. Commonly associated with Hokkaido, which was historically undeveloped compared to mainland Japan. The word carries a slightly more poetic and literary feel than 荒野 (wasteland, desolate field), and unlike 荒野, does not imply barrenness or desolation — 原野 can be lush and green.