Translation guide
A person involved in a lawsuit, either as a plaintiff or defendant. In Japanese, the term varies by context and formality, with common legal terms like 訴訟当事者 and more specific roles like 原告 or 被告.
Referring to any person or entity involved in litigation, without specifying plaintiff or defendant.
Standard legal term for a litigant or party to a lawsuit. Neutral and widely understood.
訴訟当事者は裁判所に出頭しなければならない。
The litigant must appear in court.
Broader term meaning 'party concerned'. In legal contexts, it implies a litigant, but can also refer to any involved party.
当事者間で和解が成立した。
A settlement was reached between the litigants.
Less common term for litigant; may appear in older or formal texts.
訴訟人は証拠を提出した。
The litigant submitted evidence.
Specifically the party initiating a lawsuit.
Standard term for plaintiff in legal contexts.
原告は損害賠償を求めた。
The plaintiff sought damages.
Specifically the party against whom a lawsuit is brought.
Standard term for defendant in legal contexts.
被告は無罪を主張した。
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
Use 訴訟当事者 when you don't need to specify whether the person is suing or being sued. In most practical situations, however, you will use 原告 (plaintiff) or 被告 (defendant) because the role is clear from context.
In Japanese legal contexts, litigants are often referred to by name plus a title like 氏 (し) or by their role (原告, 被告) rather than a generic 'litigant'. For example, '原告田中氏' (the plaintiff Mr. Tanaka).