Refers to a wide, open natural area such as a plain, field, or moor. Often used in compound words like 野原 (field) or 荒野 (wilderness).
I galloped across the wide plain on horseback.
non-governmental; private sector; private life
Used in contrast to 官 (government/official sphere) to refer to the private sector, civilian life, or being outside officialdom. Common in political and social contexts.
Cooperation between the government and the private sector is important.
In spring, flowers bloom all over the wilderness.
He left government service and returned to private life.
baseball
field; area; domain; branch
plain; open field
opposition party; the opposition
field of vision; view · outlook; horizons; perspective
outdoors; open air; outside · fields; outskirts; suburbs
wild beast; wild animal; brute
resignation from public office; stepping down · leaving power; going into opposition
outfield · outfielder · outfield bleachers · outsider; third party; onlooker
wasteland; wilderness; deserted plain
infield; diamond
ambition; aspiration
ambition; aspiration · sinister designs; treacherous intent
savage; barbaric; uncivilized
pasture; ranch; grazing land
wild bird
wildness; wild nature; untamed nature
fielder
hills and fields; countryside
boorish; uncouth; tasteless; insensitive
camping; encampment; making camp
cultivated fields; countryside
field battle; field operations; open battle · battlefield; battlefront
ruling and opposition parties; parties in and out of power
wild grass; wildflowers
stray dog; ownerless dog
wilderness; wasteland; open field
rude; vulgar; rough; rustic
wide plain; open field
rustic; country bumpkin; countryfolk · ruffian; unrefined person · non-politician; civilian; non-government person · Yeren; legendary mountain-dwelling hominid
Standard kanji spelling for both senses.
Rarely used kanji form.
The kanji 野 originally depicts a forest and a field, representing open uncultivated land. The extended meaning 'non-governmental' derives from the traditional contrast between official (官) and private (野) spheres.