Translation guide
The English phrase "take advantage" has two main meanings: to make good use of an opportunity or resource (positive/neutral), and to exploit someone or a situation unfairly (negative). Japanese uses different expressions for each.
I want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn new skills.
To utilize or make use of something, often for practical purposes. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
Take advantage of the library's free services.
To make the most of something, especially one's own abilities, experience, or a given situation. Implies bringing out potential.
I'll take advantage of my experience and try a new job.
To jump on a bandwagon or take advantage of a trend or someone else's action. Can be neutral or slightly opportunistic.
They took advantage of the trend and launched a new product.
To use a person or situation for selfish gain, often in a way that is unfair or harmful.
When used with people, it often means to exploit or take advantage of someone's kindness, weakness, etc. Context makes the negative nuance clear.
He takes advantage of people's kindness.
To take advantage of someone's weakness, vulnerability, or a gap in their defenses. Strongly negative.
To prey on someone, to exploit for one's own profit. Very negative, often used for financial or sexual exploitation.
To use someone as one pleases, to manipulate. Casual and negative.
To take advantage of someone's weak position, especially in business or negotiations. Literally 'look at someone's feet'.
Do not translate "take advantage" literally as アドバンテージを取る. This is not natural Japanese. Use the expressions above depending on the intended meaning.
利用する is broader and can be neutral or negative. 活用する is almost always positive, implying effective use of something to achieve a good result. For exploiting people, use 利用する or stronger terms like つけ込む.
He took advantage of her weakness and demanded money.
Scammers take advantage of the elderly.
He's just taking advantage of me.
He took advantage of the other party's weak position and offered an unfairly low price.