被告

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 被告, read ひこく, denotes the party defending against a claim or charge in court.
• Basic usage: It is used when referring to someone presenting their position or hearing a verdict in court.
  • 被告は法廷で起訴内容を否認した。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Roles in a lawsuit
  • In a civil lawsuit, 原告 refers to the party bringing the claim, while 被告 refers to the party facing it.
  • The formal term in a criminal trial is 被告人, which is also shortened to 被告 in news reporting.