使(つか)()

つかいこむ
verb (godan)
to embezzle; to become skilled at using
他動詞 transitivefinance
Conjugation
AffirmativeNegative
Present使(つか)()使(つか)()まない
Present polite使(つか)()みます使(つか)()みません
Past使(つか)()んだ使(つか)()まなかった
Past polite使(つか)()みました使(つか)()みませんでした
て form使(つか)()んで使(つか)()まなくて
ている present使(つか)()んでいる使(つか)()んでいない
ている polite使(つか)()んでいます使(つか)()んでいません
ている past使(つか)()んでいた使(つか)()んでいなかった
ている past polite使(つか)()んでいました使(つか)()んでいませんでした
Conditional ば使(つか)()めば使(つか)()まなければ
Conditional たら使(つか)()んだら使(つか)()まなかったら
Volitional使(つか)()もう
Volitional polite使(つか)()みましょう
Potential使(つか)()める使(つか)()めない
Passive使(つか)()まれる使(つか)()まれない
Causative使(つか)()ませる使(つか)()ませない
Imperative使(つか)()使(つか)()むな
1. to embezzle; to misappropriate
to use money or funds entrusted to one for personal purposes; to misuse funds
会社(かいしゃ)(かね)使(つか)()んだ。
He embezzled the company's money.
遺産(いさん)使(つか)()んでしまった。
He squandered the inheritance.
公金(こうきん)使(つか)()んで逮捕(たいほ)された
He was arrested for embezzling public funds.
2. to become skilled at using; to break in
to use something repeatedly until it becomes familiar and comfortable, or until one becomes proficient with it
この道具(どうぐ)使(つか)()むほど(あじ)()
This tool develops more character the more you use it.
使(つか)()まれた(かわ)財布(さいふ)独特(どくとく)風合(ふうあ)ある
A well-used leather wallet has a unique patina.
I can't part with a frying pan I've used for many years.

使(つか)()む has two distinct meanings.

Sense 1 - embezzlement

  • Using funds that belong to others for personal purposes
  • Often appears in news about financial crimes
  • Related to 横領(おうりょう) (embezzlement)

Sense 2 - wearing in

  • Using something until it becomes comfortable or shows character
  • Positive connotation: appreciation for well-used items
  • Common with leather goods, tools, musical instruments

Common collocations

Sense 1:

Sense 2:

  • 使(つか)()まれた~ (well-used ~)
  • 使(つか)()むほど (the more you use it)

Transitivity

Transitive verb. Takes for money/items.

Related words

Register: Neutral. Common in both news and everyday contexts.