野良
の
ら
Meanings
1
Refers to agricultural land or open fields. Often used in compounds or literary contexts.
You can see farmers working in the fields.
2
stray; ownerless
Used as a prefix for animals without an owner, especially dogs and cats. Common in 野良犬, 野良猫.
There are many stray cats in the park.
Please do not feed the stray dogs.
3
random player; stranger
Internet slang used in online multiplayer games to refer to a player you don't know, as opposed to a friend. Often used in phrases like 野良プレイ (playing with randoms).
I'd rather play with friends than team up with randoms.
Usage patterns
- 野良に出るto go out to the fields (to do farm work)
I went out to the fields early in the morning to tend the crops.
- 野良で〈動詞〉to do something (in a game) with random, unknown players
Since I didn't have friends online, I played with random strangers.