1.
stray dog
A dog without an owner that wanders freely. Can also be used figuratively to describe a person who belongs to no group or organization.
野良犬に近づくな。
Don't go near stray dogs.
公園で野良犬を見かけて保健所に連絡した。
I spotted a stray dog in the park and contacted the public health center.
昔は野良犬がたくさんいたが、今ではほとんど見かけなくなった。
There used to be many stray dogs, but nowadays you hardly ever see them.
USAGE:
野良 means "stray" or "feral" and combines with animal names: 野良犬 (stray dog), 野良猫 (stray cat). 野良 alone originally means "field" or "open land" and also appears in 野良仕事 (farm work).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 野良犬を保護する (to rescue a stray dog)
- 野良犬に噛まれる (to be bitten by a stray dog)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Stray dogs have become rare in modern Japan due to strict animal control laws and active efforts by 保健所 (public health centers). In contrast, 野良猫 (stray cats) are still commonly seen.