noun
brown rat; Norway rat; sewer rat
Refers specifically to Rattus norvegicus, the common large rat found in urban areas. Often carries a negative, dirty, or pest-like connotation.
ドブネズミがゴミ置き場にいた。
There was a brown rat at the garbage area.
ドブネズミは都市部でよく見られる
Brown rats are commonly seen in urban areas.
noun
dark gray; dirty gray
Describes a dull, dark gray color reminiscent of a sewer rat's fur. Often used for clothing or objects with a murky gray tone.
彼はドブネズミ色のコートを着ていた。
He was wearing a dark gray coat.
noun
deceitful employee; unfaithful servant
Figurative, derogatory term for a disloyal or untrustworthy subordinate, likening them to a sneaky rat. Rare and somewhat dated; more common in older literature or dramatic speech.
あの男は会社のドブネズミだ。
That guy is a deceitful employee of the company.