How to say "accuse" in Japanese

• 責めるせめるJLPT N3approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers accuse in the sense of blaming or criticizing: condemning someone and holding them at fault. The common choice when you want to blame a person for something.
  あまり自分じぶんを責せめないで。↗

  Don't be too hard on yourself.
• 争い訴えるあらそいうったえる
  ichidan verbAccuse in the sense of rising up in judgment against someone — formally bringing a charge or dispute against them. A less common word with a strongly judicial flavor.
• 責め立てるせめたてる
  ichidan verb, transitive verbAccuse in a harsh, forceful way: to criticize harshly, blame, or grill someone. Less common; the nuance is attacking a person with blame rather than quietly finding fault.
  これ以上いじょう彼かれを責め立せめたててもむだだ。↗

  It's fruitless to press him further.
• 訴人そにん
  noun, suru verbA noun, not a verb: it denotes the accuser — a suitor, complainant or informant who brings a charge. Seldom the word you want for the act of accusing; use it only for the person.

For accuse as everyday blame or criticism choose 「責める」, with 「責め立てる」 for harsher, more attacking blame; 「争い訴える」 fits formal accusation in a judgment setting, while 訴人 is a noun for the accuser, not the act.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 責めるせめるto condemn
• 争い訴えるあらそいうったえるto accuse
• 責め立てるせめたてるto criticize harshly
• 訴人そにんa suitor