Translation guide
In legal contexts, cross-examination refers to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party. In everyday English, it can also mean any intense or hostile questioning. This guide covers both the formal legal term and its figurative use.
The formal questioning of a witness by the opposing side in a court or legal proceeding.
A thorough, often hostile, questioning outside of a courtroom, like in a debate, interview, or argument.
Means 'harsh questioning' or 'grilling'. Natural for describing intense interrogation.
記者は大臣に厳しい追及をした。
The reporter subjected the minister to a harsh cross-examination.
The English word 'cross-examination' is often translated literally as クロスエグザミネーション, but this is not natural Japanese. Use the terms above depending on context.
The standard legal term for cross-examination in Japanese courts.
弁護士は証人に反対尋問を行った。
The lawyer conducted a cross-examination of the witness.
Verb phrase meaning 'to cross-examine'.
検察側は被告人を反対尋問した。
The prosecution cross-examined the defendant.
An alternative term for cross-examination, less common than 反対尋問.
交叉尋問は証人の信憑性を試すために行われる。
Cross-examination is conducted to test the credibility of the witness.
Verb meaning 'to cross-examine' or 'to interrogate closely', often with a confrontational nuance.
彼は上司に詰問されてたじたじだった。
He was flustered after being cross-examined by his boss.
To pursue a line of questioning aggressively; can be used for cross-examination-like questioning.
野党は首相を厳しく追及した。
The opposition party cross-examined the prime minister rigorously.
Idiom meaning 'to bombard with questions', similar to a relentless cross-examination.
子供たちは父親を質問攻めにした。
The children gave their father a cross-examination.