Translation guide
The English verb "embezzle" refers to the act of dishonestly taking money or property entrusted to one's care, typically in a professional or organizational setting. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific legal terms, common verbs for misappropriation, and descriptive phrases. The choice depends on formality, context, and the nature of the act.
The core meaning: illegally taking money or assets that one was responsible for managing, often in a business or public office context.
The standard legal and general term for embezzlement. It covers misappropriation of funds or property by a person in a position of trust. Commonly used in news and formal contexts.
彼は会社の資金を横領した。
He embezzled company funds.
横領の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement.
Literally 'to pocket' money. Implies secretly taking funds for personal use, often in a business setting. Slightly less formal than 横領 but still common.
経理担当が売上金を着服していた。
The accounting clerk was embezzling the sales proceeds.
Means 'to misappropriate' or 'to embezzle' by gradually using funds for oneself. Often implies a series of small thefts over time.
彼は組合の金を使い込んだ。
He embezzled union funds.
A colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned expression meaning to pocket something dishonestly, especially money or a found item. Not a legal term; used in casual speech.
This is not a direct equivalent for corporate embezzlement; it's more about petty theft or keeping something you found. Use with care.
拾った財布を猫ばばした。
He pocketed the wallet he found. (Note: This is closer to 'keeping found money' than corporate embezzlement.)
Embezzlement involving physical assets or property, not just money.
Also covers property embezzlement. The same term is used for both funds and assets.
彼は顧客から預かった宝石を横領した。
He embezzled jewels entrusted to him by a client.
A rare, formal term meaning to embezzle or misappropriate, often used in legal documents. Not common in everyday language.
公金を着眼する行為は重罪だ。
The act of embezzling public funds is a serious crime.
A softer or indirect way of saying embezzle, often used in internal investigations or when the act is not yet legally proven.
Means 'to divert for personal use'. Commonly used in corporate scandals to describe unauthorized use of company money without necessarily using the criminal term.
部長が経費を私的流用していたことが発覚した。
It came to light that the department manager had been diverting expenses for personal use.
Means 'to misappropriate' or 'to use fraudulently'. Broader than embezzlement, but often used in similar contexts.
彼は補助金を不正流用した。
He misappropriated the subsidy.
横領 (ōryō) is the formal, legal term for embezzlement and is used in criminal charges. 着服 (chakufuku) implies secretly pocketing money, often with a nuance of stealth. 使い込み (tsukaikomi) suggests gradually using entrusted funds for personal expenses, often over time. In many contexts, 横領 is the safest and most direct translation.
彼は横領で起訴された。
He was indicted for embezzlement.
レジのお金を着服した。
She pocketed money from the register.
彼は会社の金を使い込んでいた。
He had been embezzling company money bit by bit.
Do not attempt to translate 'embezzle' word-for-word. Phrases like 不正に取る (fusei ni toru) are not natural. Use the established terms above depending on context.