Translation guide
A person who formally requests something from an authority, such as a government, court, or organization. In Japanese, the expression depends on the context: legal, political, or general formal requests.
A person who submits a formal written request to a court or legal authority, such as filing a lawsuit or appeal.
Refers to the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, the party bringing the case to court. This is the most common term for a legal petitioner.
The petitioner filed a lawsuit with the court.
A person who makes a formal application or motion to a court, such as for an injunction or a family court matter. More specific than 原告.
The petitioner sought a protection order.
A petitioner who appeals to a higher court, specifically in the context of a final appeal to the Supreme Court.
The petitioner appealed to the Supreme Court.
A person or group that submits a petition to a government body, often with many signatures, to request action or express a grievance.
The standard term for someone who submits a petition (請願) to a government office or parliament. It implies a formal, often collective, request.
The petitioners submitted a petition to the National Diet.
A person who makes a direct appeal or representation to a government official or agency, often about a specific local issue. Less formal than 請願者.
A person who formally requests something from an organization, such as a company, university, or government agency, often through a written application.
A general term for an applicant or person who files a formal request or application. Used for visas, permits, grants, etc.
The petitioner submitted the visa application form.
Often used for someone who applies or registers for a service, membership, or subscription. Slightly less formal than 申請者.
A person who makes a humble request to a ruler or deity, often in a historical or religious context.
A supplicant or someone who earnestly begs for mercy, favor, or intervention. Used in historical or dramatic contexts.
The petitioner knelt before the king.
原告 (plaintiff) is used in civil lawsuits where one party sues another. 申立人 (petitioner/movant) is used when someone files a motion or application in court, such as for a divorce or an injunction, without necessarily suing someone. In criminal cases, the petitioner is usually the prosecutor (検察官), not 原告.
The English word 'petitioner' covers many situations, but Japanese uses specific terms. Using a general word like 要求者 (requester) would sound unnatural. Always choose the term that matches the context.
The petitioners asked the mayor for road improvements.
The petitioner registered for membership online.