告訴する
To press charges in Japanese is 告訴する.
The phrase 告訴する is used to express the general idea of pressing charges.
Meaning: to formally accuse a person of a crime (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 告訴する refers to the formal legal act of filing a complaint to initiate prosecution, 告発する is a broader term used to denounce or accuse someone of a crime or wrongdoing.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that someone has been formally accused or had charges pressed against them, use the passive form 告訴された.
Did you know?
- In Japan, the act of 告訴 can sometimes be used as a bargaining chip in 'jidan' negotiations, where a victim agrees not to press charges in exchange for a financial settlement.
- The word 告 is used in 告白 to mean 'confessing love', creating a linguistic contrast between confessing one's feelings and accusing another of a crime.
- While 告訴する is the formal term, in police dramas, characters often use the phrase 被害届を出す, which literally means 'to submit a damage report' to start the process.
Examples in context
- 刑事告訴を希望されますか？Do you wish to press criminal charges?
- 警察に告訴状を提出するto submit a formal complaint to the police
- 警察に告訴するつもりです。Keisatsu ni kokuso suru tsumori desu.I intend to press charges with the police.
- 犯人を告訴するべきだ。Hannin o kokuso surubeki da.You should press charges against the criminal.
- 彼女は彼を告訴することに決めた。Kanojo wa kare o kokuso suru koto ni kimeta.She decided to press charges against him.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a theft incident.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔、本当に警察に告訴するの？Hiroto, hontō ni keisatsu ni kokusō suru no?Hiroto, are you really going to press charges?
- 陽葵 Himariああ、もう我慢できないからね。Ā, mō gaman dekinai kara ne.Yeah, because I can't stand it anymore.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは大変なことになるよ。Sore wa taihen na koto ni naru yo.That will turn into a big deal.
- 陽葵 Himariそれでも、正しく告訴するべきだ。Soredemo, tadashiku kokusō suru beki da.Even so, I should press charges properly.
