濫用（らんよう、ranyou）
- abuse

The Japanese word 濫用 (らんよう, *ranyou*) means "abuse," "misuse," or "to exploit." It refers to the inappropriate or excessive use of something, often to a detrimental extent. This can apply to various things, including power, resources, privileges, information, and even substances. The core meaning involves using something in a way that is wrong, harmful, or goes against established rules or ethical standards. The action associated with 濫用 usually implies negative consequences for the person or thing being 濫用ed, or for others involved. ⚫︎ It suggests using something beyond its intended purpose. ⚫︎ It implies a lack of proper control or consideration. ⚫︎ The results of the action may be unethical, damaging, or illegal.

⚫︎ 権力の濫用 Translation: Abuse of power ⚫︎ 個人情報の濫用 Translation: Misuse of personal information ⚫︎ 薬物の濫用 Translation: Substance abuse

濫用 is a relatively formal word. It is appropriate in various contexts, including academic writing, news reports, legal documents, and formal conversations. It conveys a strong sense of disapproval about the action it describes. ⚫︎ It can describe actions that are illegal or unethical. ⚫︎ It frequently appears in discussions of social, political, or economic issues. ⚫︎ It is less common in casual conversation, although it could be used if the topic is serious.

⚫︎ The word is written with the kanji 濫 and 用, read as らんよう in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎ The okurigana (hiragana following the kanji) is fixed; there is no variation.

⚫︎ 悪用 (あくよう, *akuyou*): misuse; abuse (more general than 濫用). ⚫︎ 乱用 (らんよう, *ranyou*): Another way to write 濫用. The kanji are different, but the meaning and pronunciation are the same. ⚫︎ 悪用 (あくよう, *akuyou*): Misuse, abuse (similar but not as strong of a word). ⚫︎ 乱用 (らんよう, *ranyou*): The same word as 濫用, with slightly different kanji.

⚫︎ 有効利用 (ゆうこうりよう, *yuukou riyou*): Effective use; making good use of. ⚫︎ 適正利用 (てきせいりよう, *tekisei riyou*): Proper use; appropriate use. ⚫︎ 正当な使用 (せいとうなしよう, *seitou na shiyou*): Legitimate use.

彼は自分の地位を濫用して、不正に利益を得た。 ・Translation: He abused his position and illegally gained profit. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 濫用 is used to describe an abuse of power for personal gain.

インターネット上での個人情報の濫用は深刻な問題だ。 ・Translation: The abuse of personal information on the internet is a serious problem. ・Explanation: This example shows the use of 濫用 in the context of internet security and privacy concerns.

The kanji 濫 (ran) means "overflow," "flood," or "excess." The kanji 用 (you) means "use" or "application." Combining them suggests an excessive or overflowing use, which aptly describes the meaning of 濫用.