悪用（あくよう、akuyou）
- misuse

The Japanese word 悪用 (あくよう, *akuyou*) means to misuse, abuse, or exploit something, typically for selfish or harmful purposes. It implies taking something – a resource, a position, information, etc. – and using it in a way that is wrong, unethical, or against its intended purpose. The [悪用] can apply to a wide range of situations, from using someone's trust for personal gain to misusing technology. It always carries a negative connotation. The core concept behind [悪用] is the improper or harmful utilization of something.

⚫︎個人情報を悪用する Translation: To misuse personal information. ⚫︎権力を悪用する Translation: To abuse one's power. ⚫︎パスワードを悪用される Translation: To have a password misused (by others).

You can use 悪用 in various contexts where something is used inappropriately or for a negative purpose. It’s frequently used when discussing ethical concerns, legal violations, or actions that take advantage of others. It’s suitable for formal and informal situations, depending on the context. You can use this word when describing actions such as using someone's personal data without their consent, taking advantage of a position of authority for personal gain, or exploiting a loophole for profit.

悪用 is typically written in kanji as 悪用 (meaning "bad use" or "evil use"). The reading is あくよう in hiragana. There are no other standard ways to write this word, nor are there variations in the okurigana. The word retains the same form whether it is used as a noun or a verb. The verb form of 悪用 is 悪用する (akuyou suru, to misuse/abuse/exploit).

⚫︎乱用 (ranyou): abuse, misuse, overuse ⚫︎不正利用 (fusei riyou): unauthorized use, illegal use ⚫︎悪用する (akuyou suru): to misuse/abuse/exploit (the verb form) ⚫︎濫用 (ran'you): abuse, misuse, overuse ⚫︎悪用行為 (akuyou koui): act of misuse/abuse

⚫︎有効利用 (yuukou riyou): effective use, efficient use ⚫︎活用 (katsuyou): to make good use of, to utilize ⚫︎利用 (riyou): use, utilization

インターネット上での個人情報の悪用が問題になっている。 ・Translation: The misuse of personal information on the internet is becoming a problem. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the negative impact of unauthorized use of personal data online.

彼は自分の地位を悪用して、会社の資金を横領した。 ・Translation: He abused his position and embezzled the company's funds. ・Explanation: This example demonstrates [悪用] in the context of abusing one's authority for financial gain.

The word 悪用 is composed of two kanji: 悪 (aku), meaning "bad," "evil," or "wrong," and 用 (you), meaning "use" or "application." Therefore, the combination literally means "bad use" or "evil use," accurately reflecting the word's meaning of misuse, abuse, or exploitation. The etymology clearly reveals the negative connotation inherent in the word.