Translation guide
The English word 'exploitation' covers a range of meanings from unfair treatment of people to the utilization of resources. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific nuance.
Taking advantage of someone's labor, vulnerability, or situation for selfish gain.
The most direct translation for economic or labor exploitation. Often used in social and political contexts.
The exploitation of workers by capitalists is a problem.
A colloquial phrase meaning to exploit someone for one's own benefit, often implying manipulation or taking advantage of a weakness.
He exploits people's goodwill.
Abuse or misuse of something for a bad purpose. Can apply to exploiting a system, power, or trust.
He exploited his authority for personal gain.
Literally 'to squeeze out', used figuratively for extracting maximum profit or labor from someone.
That company just exploits its employees.
Making use of natural resources, opportunities, or assets effectively.
Effective use or utilization, often with a positive connotation. Common in business and technology contexts.
We exploited the data to increase sales.
General term for use or utilization. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
Development or exploitation of resources, often used for mining, land, or energy.
Using a situation or opportunity for one's own benefit, sometimes unethically.
To take advantage of someone's weakness or a situation, often with a negative nuance.
He exploited her weakness.
To use or exploit a situation. The verb form of 利用, can be neutral or negative.
He exploited the confusion and escaped.
Idiom meaning to take advantage of someone's weak position, often in business or negotiations.
搾取 (sakushu) is strictly negative and refers to exploitation of people. 活用 (katsuyō) is positive or neutral and means effective utilization of resources or skills. Do not use 搾取 for resource development.
The English word 'exploitation' is often translated as 搾取, but this word is mainly for labor or economic exploitation. Using it for 'exploiting an opportunity' sounds unnatural. Use 利用 or つけ込む instead.
The exploitation of natural resources must be sustainable.
海底油田の開発が進んでいる。
The exploitation of offshore oil fields is progressing.
He exploited the other party's weak position and charged a high price.