Translation guide
The English verb "accuse" covers a range of situations from formal legal charges to informal blame. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on the context: whether it's a criminal accusation, a direct confrontation, or simply blaming someone for a mistake.
Expressing that someone is at fault for something, often in everyday situations.
General verb meaning to blame, criticize, or accuse someone of a fault. Can be used in personal and formal contexts.
彼は私の失敗を責めた。
He blamed me for the mistake.
そんなに自分を責めないで。
Don't blame yourself so much.
Literally "to make it someone's fault". Very common in spoken Japanese to shift blame.
彼はいつも他人のせいにする。
He always blames others.
To criticize or condemn, often publicly. Stronger than 責める.
メディアは政府の対応を非難した。
The media criticized the government's response.
Legal context: to officially accuse someone of a criminal offense.
To bring charges, indict, or file a formal accusation. Used in legal and official contexts.
彼は詐欺で告発された。
He was accused of fraud.
To indict or prosecute. Specifically refers to the formal initiation of legal proceedings.
検察は彼を殺人罪で起訴した。
The prosecution indicted him for murder.
Confronting someone with an accusation, often in a heated or emotional manner.
To press someone for an answer, interrogate, or accuse them while demanding an explanation.
彼女は彼に浮気を問い詰めた。
She accused him of cheating (and demanded an explanation).
To reproach or accuse someone bitterly. Often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
彼は裏切りをなじった。
He accused her of betrayal.
Pointing out someone's wrongdoing with a specific claim, often in a formal or serious setting.
A formal pattern meaning "to accuse on the grounds of ~". Used in legal or official complaints.
彼は背任のかどで訴えられた。
He was accused of breach of trust.
In English, 'accuse' can be used lightly (e.g., 'Are you accusing me of lying?'). In Japanese, using 告発する or 非難する in such contexts sounds overly dramatic. Use 責める or ～のせいにする for everyday blame.
責める is a general verb for blaming or criticizing, often in personal relationships. 非難する implies stronger public condemnation and is more formal. For legal accusations, use 告発する or 起訴する.