1.
guy; fellow; man
A rough, informal word for a man or boy. Used among men in casual settings, sometimes affectionately.
あの野郎、遅刻しやがった。
That guy showed up late, damn it.
男ばかりの野郎だらけの飲み会だった。
It was a drinking party full of nothing but guys.
仲間うちで「野郎ども、行くぞ！」と声をかけた。
He called out to the group, "Let's go, guys!"
2.
bastard; jerk; son of a bitch
Used as a term of contempt or anger toward someone, especially a man. Strong and rude.
あの野郎、許さない。
I won't forgive that bastard.
ふざけるな、この野郎！
Don't mess with me, you bastard!
財布を盗んだ野郎を絶対に捕まえてやる。
I'll definitely catch the bastard who stole my wallet.
REGISTER:
野郎 is a strongly masculine, rough word. It is used almost exclusively by men. Women rarely use this word except in very casual or deliberately rough speech.
USAGE:
The tone determines whether it is affectionate (sense 1) or hostile (sense 2). Among close male friends, it can be used playfully. Directed at strangers or enemies, it is an insult.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- この野郎！ (You bastard!)
- あの野郎 (That bastard / That guy)
- 野郎ども (you guys — rough, masculine plural)
- ばか野郎 (stupid idiot — a very common compound insult)