被 告(ひこく)

ひこく

noun

defendant, the accused

formallegalperson

1. defendant, the accused

A person or entity against whom a legal action is brought in court. In criminal cases, the person accused of a crime; in civil cases, the party being sued.

被告(ひこく)は無罪(むざい)を主張(しゅちょう)した。

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

被告(ひこく)に懲役(ちょうえき)三(さん)年(ねん)の判決(はんけつ)が下(くだ)された。

The defendant was sentenced to three years in prison.

裁判(さいばん)で被告(ひこく)側(がわ)の弁護士(べんごし)が証拠(しょうこ)の不十分(ふじゅうぶん)さを指摘(してき)した。

At the trial, the defense attorney pointed out the insufficiency of the evidence.

Usage

In criminal trials, the full term is 被告人(ひこくにん), but 被告(ひこく) is commonly used in news reports and everyday language. In civil cases, 被告(ひこく) refers to the party being sued.

Similar words

原告(げんこく): plaintiff (the party bringing the case)
被告(ひこく): defendant (the party being accused/sued)
容疑者(ようぎしゃ): suspect (before indictment)
被告人(ひこくにん): defendant (formal, criminal law)

Common collocations

被告(ひこく)側(がわ): the defense side
被告(ひこく)席(せき): the defendant's seat (in court)
被告人(ひこくにん): the accused (formal)
被告(ひこく)に判決(はんけつ)が下(くだ)る: a verdict is handed down to the defendant

Related Words

Antonym: 原告(げんこく) (plaintiff)

Compare: 容疑者(ようぎしゃ) (suspect)

Related: 裁判(さいばん) (trial, judgment, court case)

Related: 判決(はんけつ) (judgment)

Related: 起訴(きそ)する (to indict, to prosecute)

general

Added 2026.2.13 14:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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