Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'plaintiff' depends on the context. In legal settings, 原告 (げんこく) is the standard word. In everyday analogies or figurative use, other expressions may be more natural.
plaintiff (legal)
The person or party who brings a case against another in a court of law.
Standard legal term for plaintiff in civil and criminal cases.
The plaintiff sought damages.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'the person who filed the lawsuit'. Used in explanations or less formal contexts.
The person who filed the lawsuit must submit evidence.
Someone who complains or brings an accusation in a non-legal context.
In casual analogies, directly translating 'plaintiff' as 原告 can sound overly formal or unnatural. Instead, describe the action or role.
Using 原告 outside legal contexts may sound stiff. Use with care.
He always blames someone else. He's like a plaintiff.
原告 (げんこく) is the plaintiff, while 被告 (ひこく) is the defendant. In civil cases, these are the standard opposing parties.