背任

• Reading: はいにん
• Romaji: hainin
• Kanji breakdown: 背 (hai/se) — back, to betray; 任 (nin) — duty, responsibility
• Pronunciation: /ha.i.nʲin/

Meaning

Breach of trust; malfeasance. The act of a person in a position of trust deliberately acting against the interests of those they represent.

Typically appears in legal contexts as 背任罪 (the crime of breach of trust), a serious offence under Japanese criminal law. It refers to a fiduciary — such as a company director or agent — who abuses their authority to cause financial or other harm to their principal. Distinct from embezzlement (横領), which involves direct misappropriation of assets.

Examples

1. 元取締役は背任行為により起訴された。 The former board member was indicted for breach of trust.
2. 会社の資金を私的に流用した役員が背任罪で逮捕された。 An executive who embezzled company funds for personal use was arrested for malfeasance.
3. 背任を防ぐために内部統制の強化が急務だ。 Strengthening internal controls to prevent breaches of trust is an urgent priority.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, corporate governance, criminal law, finance

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 背 (to turn one's back on, betray) and 任 (duty, responsibility). Literally 'turning one's back on one's duty.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Business professionals

Social background: Corporate/Legal