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.
資本家による労働者の搾取が問題になっている。
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.
彼は人の善意を食い物にしている。
He exploits people's goodwill.
Abuse or misuse of something for a bad purpose. Can apply to exploiting a system, power, or trust.
彼は自分の権限を悪用して利益を得た。
He exploited his authority for personal gain.
Literally 'to squeeze out', used figuratively for extracting maximum profit or labor from someone.
その会社は従業員から搾り取るだけだ。
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.
データを活用して売上を伸ばした。
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.
彼は彼女の弱みにつけ込んだ。
He exploited her weakness.
To use or exploit a situation. The verb form of 利用, can be neutral or negative.
混乱を利用して逃げた。
He exploited the confusion and escaped.
Idiom meaning to take advantage of someone's weak position, often in business or negotiations.
相手の足元を見て値段をふっかけた。
He exploited the other party's weak position and charged a high price.
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.