Translation guide
The English word "wild" covers a wide range of meanings, from untamed nature to uncontrolled behavior and enthusiasm. Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on the specific meaning.
Describing animals or plants that live or grow naturally without human control.
The most common and neutral way to say "wild" for animals and plants. It literally means "of the wild."
There are many wild monkeys in this forest.
You must not pick wild flowers.
Used specifically for stray or feral domestic animals, like cats or dogs. It implies they were once domesticated but now live without a home.
Please don't feed the stray cats.
Describing land or nature that is not developed or farmed.
Means "left in its natural state." Used for untouched landscapes.
This island still has wild, untouched beaches.
Describes a desolate, barren, or rugged landscape. Often used for moors, deserts, or windswept places.
A wild, desolate moor stretched out before us.
Literally "untouched," emphasizing that humans have not interfered.
I want to protect the wild, untouched nature.
Describing actions or events that are chaotic, energetic, or lacking restraint.
Means rough, violent, or wild in behavior. Can describe a person's actions or a rough sea.
His driving is wild.
Implies violent, rough, or reckless behavior. Often used for people who are physically aggressive or careless.
The wild kids trashed the room.
A loanword from English, often used in a positive or trendy sense for parties, fashion, or personalities. It can mean exciting, untamed, or sexy.
Last night's party was wild, wasn't it?
Means free-spirited, uninhibited, or unrestrained. Often used for a person's lifestyle or artistic expression.
She leads a wild, free-spirited life.
Expressing that something is far-fetched, ridiculous, or hard to believe.
A very common expression meaning "outrageous," "absurd," or "unthinkable." It can also be used to strongly deny something.
That's a wild story.
Means nonsense, absurd, or haphazard. Often used for lies or completely unfounded statements.
What he says is wild (nonsense).
Slang meaning "out there," "crazy," or "wild" in a surprising or unconventional way.
It's a wild idea, but interesting.
Showing strong eagerness or passion.
Doing something without a clear plan or basis.
While ワイルド is common in casual speech for parties or personalities, it doesn't cover all meanings of "wild." For animals and nature, use 野生の or 自然のままの. For rough behavior, use 荒々しい or 乱暴な.
荒々しい emphasizes roughness and lack of restraint, often used for natural forces or intense actions. 乱暴な implies violence or recklessness, often with a negative moral judgment. A wild sea is 荒々しい, not 乱暴な. A person who hits others is 乱暴な.
A wild wind is blowing.
Stop using wild (violent) language.
Wild waves were crashing against the rocks.
No way! I didn't do that.