被告(ひこく)

ひこく
noun
defendant, the accused
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

Pair verb: 原告(げんこく) (plaintiff)
general
Added 2026.2.13 14:17 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:42
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