被告人(ひこくにん)

ひこくにん
noun
defendant; the accused
1. defendant; the accused (in criminal law)
A person who has been formally charged with a crime and is standing trial. A legal term used specifically in criminal proceedings.
被告人(ひこくにん)は無罪(むざい)を主張(しゅちょう)した。
The defendant claimed innocence.
裁判長(さいばんちょう)が被告人(ひこくにん)に質問(しつもん)した。
The presiding judge questioned the defendant.
被告人(ひこくにん)には黙秘権(もくひけん)が保障(ほしょう)されている。
The defendant is guaranteed the right to remain silent.

Composed of 被告(ひこく) (accused) + 人(にん) (person). A formal legal term used in criminal trials.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 被告人(ひこくにん)質問(しつもん): examination of the defendant
  • 被告人(ひこくにん)席(せき): defendant's seat (in court)
  • 被告人(ひこくにん)の権利(けんり): rights of the accused
  • 被告人(ひこくにん)尋問(じんもん): interrogation of the defendant

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 被告(ひこく): defendant — used in both criminal and civil cases; in civil cases, this is the standard term
  • 容疑者(ようぎしゃ): suspect — someone suspected of a crime but not yet formally charged
  • 被疑者(ひぎしゃ): suspect (legal term) — formal/legal equivalent of 容疑者(ようぎしゃ)
  • 原告(げんこく): plaintiff — the opposing party; the one bringing the case

USAGE:
被告人(ひこくにん) is specifically a criminal law term. In civil cases, the equivalent term is 被告(ひこく) (without 人(にん)). In Japanese news media, a person's name is often followed by 被告(ひこく) (e.g., 田中(たなか)被告(ひこく)) once they have been formally charged.

general
Added 2026.3.28 23:16
20000/20130_hikokunin