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."
この森には野生の猿がたくさんいます。
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.
野良猫に餌をあげないでください。
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.
この島には自然のままのビーチが残っています。
This island still has wild, untouched beaches.
Describes a desolate, barren, or rugged landscape. Often used for moors, deserts, or windswept places.
荒涼とした荒野が広がっていた。
A wild, desolate moor stretched out before us.
Literally "untouched," emphasizing that humans have not interfered.
手つかずの自然を守りたい。
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.
彼の運転は荒々しい。
His driving is wild.
荒々しい波が岩に打ちつけていた。
Wild waves were crashing against the rocks.
Implies violent, rough, or reckless behavior. Often used for people who are physically aggressive or careless.
乱暴な子供たちが部屋をめちゃくちゃにした。
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.
昨夜のパーティーはワイルドだったね。
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.
彼女は奔放な生き方をしている。
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.
それはとんでもない話だ。
That's a wild story.
とんでもない！そんなことしていません。
No way! I didn't do that.
Means nonsense, absurd, or haphazard. Often used for lies or completely unfounded statements.
彼の言うことはでたらめだ。
What he says is wild (nonsense).
Slang meaning "out there," "crazy," or "wild" in a surprising or unconventional way.
ぶっ飛んだアイデアだけど、面白いね。
It's a wild idea, but interesting.
Showing strong eagerness or passion.
Means "to be crazy about" or "absorbed in." It's the most natural way to say you're wild about a hobby or person.
彼は新しいゲームに夢中になっている。
He's wild about the new game.
Means "to be wildly enthusiastic" or "frenzied." Often used for fans or crowds.
観客は熱狂していた。
The audience went wild.
Doing something without a clear plan or basis.
Means a random guess or shot in the dark. Very common for "wild guess."
当てずっぽうで答えたら、当たった。
I took a wild guess and got it right.
Also used here to mean random or nonsensical.
でたらめな数字を言わないで。
Don't just give me a wild number.
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.
荒々しい風が吹いている。
A wild wind is blowing.
乱暴な言葉遣いをやめなさい。
Stop using wild (violent) language.