原告

• Reading: げんこく
• Romaji: genkoku
• Kanji breakdown: 原 (gen) — origin, source; 告 (koku) — to tell, to accuse
• Pronunciation: /ɡeɴ.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Plaintiff; accuser. The person who brings a case against another in court.

A noun used primarily in civil law for the party initiating a lawsuit. The 原告 files the complaint and bears the burden of proof. In news coverage of civil disputes, the terms 原告 and 被告 are consistently used to identify the opposing parties.

Examples

1. 原告は損害賠償を求めている。 The plaintiff is seeking damages.
2. 原告側が新しい資料を提出した。 The plaintiff's side submitted new documents.
3. 裁判では原告の話が先に聞かれた。 In the trial, the plaintiff's statement was heard first.

Usage Guide

Context: law, news, court

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 原 (origin, source, field) and 告 (to tell, to accuse). Together they mean the one who originates the accusation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal