I'm learning
中文
被告 — meaning in English: defendant
bèigào · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
defendant
该化合物
gāi huàhéwù
笑话
xiàohuà
英亩
yīngmǔ
被告
bèigào
女性
nǚxìng
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Mandarin Chinese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
formal
common
Usage
The term 被告 (bèigào) is predominantly used in legal contexts, such as courtrooms and legal documents, where individuals are formally accused of a crime. For example, during a trial, the prosecutor may refer to the defendant as 被告 when outlining the charges against them, highlighting their role in the judicial process.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is accused (被控, bèikòng), but 被告 specifically refers to the defendant in a legal proceeding, while 被控 can pertain to anyone being accused of wrongdoing, regardless of the context. You would choose 被告 when discussing formal legal cases, emphasizing the person's status in court.
Culture
The word 被告 (bèigào) combines the character 被, meaning 'to be subjected to' or 'to bear,' and 告, which means 'to accuse' or 'to inform.' This construction emphasizes the role of the defendant as someone who is being accused in a legal setting. In Chinese culture, the concept of justice and the courtroom drama has always fascinated society, seen in traditional literature and modern media alike.
FAQ
