1.
out of office; in opposition; not in power
Being outside the ruling party or government. Used in politics to describe parties or politicians who are not currently in power.
在野政党。
An opposition party.
選挙で負けて在野に下った。
They lost the election and went into opposition.
在野の立場から政府を批判する。
To criticize the government from an opposition standpoint.
2.
unaffiliated; independent; outside the establishment
Being outside of official or institutional organizations. Used for scholars, researchers, or professionals who work independently rather than within established institutions.
在野の研究者。
An independent researcher.
大学に属さず在野で研究を続けている。
They continue their research independently without belonging to a university.
在野の歴史研究家が新しい史料を発見した。
An independent history researcher discovered new historical documents.
Literally means "being in the field" — i.e., among the common people rather than in the halls of power. Composed of 在 (being at) and 野 (field, the wild). The contrast is with 与党 (ruling party) in politics, or with institutional affiliation in academic contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 在野政党: opposition party
- 在野に下る: to go into opposition; to lose power
- 在野の研究者: independent researcher
- 在野精神: spirit of independence (from established power)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 野党: opposition party — the standard political term, more common
- 民間: private sector; civilian — broader, not specifically about opposition
- 無所属: unaffiliated; independent — specifically about organizational membership
ANTONYMS:
- 与党: ruling party
- 官: government; official sector