Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to say 'stray dog' is 野良犬 (norainu). However, the concept can also be expressed with related terms depending on context, such as whether the dog is homeless, lost, or abandoned.
Referring to a dog without an owner that lives outdoors, often in urban or rural areas.
The standard term for a stray dog. It implies a dog that has no owner and lives on the streets. Commonly used in everyday conversation and media.
野良犬 is the everyday word for a stray dog. 野犬 is more formal and often used in official or technical contexts. 捨て犬 specifically means an abandoned dog, while 迷い犬 means a lost dog that may still have an owner.
There is a stray dog in the park.
Please do not feed the stray dogs.
A slightly more formal or technical term for a stray or feral dog. Often used in official contexts, such as by animal control or in news reports.
Stray dogs were captured.
Specifically refers to an abandoned dog, one that was left by its owner. It emphasizes the act of abandonment rather than just being stray.
I rescued this abandoned dog.
A lost dog, one that has strayed from its owner. It implies the dog has an owner but is temporarily missing. Often used in 'lost dog' posters.
I am looking for a lost dog.