Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Defendant" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "defendant", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
被告
ひこく (hikoku)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
被告人
ひこくにん (hikokunin)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "defendant" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 被告 and 被告人.
In Japanese, 被告 (ひこく (hikoku)) is typically associated with "defendant" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 被告人 (ひこくにん (hikokunin)) maps to "defendant, the accused" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "defendant" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "被告"
私は被告に興味があります。
I am interested in defendant.
Bilingual Context for "被告人"
私は被告人に興味があります。
I am interested in defendant, the accused.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in defendant.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "被告" fits here because it means "defendant" in the context of: "I am interested in defendant.". "被告人" represents "defendant, the accused".