How to say "prosecution" in Japanese

• 起訴きそCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe act of formally indicting someone — charging them with a crime and bringing the case to trial. Typical of news reports on whether prosecutors will indict a suspect.
  地方ちほう検事けんじは彼かれを盗ぬすみと殺人罪さつじんざいで起訴きそした。↗

  The district attorney indicted him for theft and murder.
• 検察けんさつCommon
  nounProsecution as the work of the prosecuting authorities in a criminal case — the prosecution side, as opposed to the defense. Used when discussing what prosecutors investigate, charge, or decide.
  検察けんさつ側がわは被告ひこくが子供こどもを誘拐ゆうかいしたと激はげしく非難ひなんした。↗

  The prosecution condemned the defendant for kidnapping a child.
• 告発こくはつCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbReally an accusation or denunciation of wrongdoing — a complaint or public exposé — rather than the legal act of prosecuting. Seldom the word you want for prosecution itself; think whistleblowing or media accusations.
  彼かれは無実むじつの罪つみで告発こくはつされている。↗

  He is under a false accusation.
• 訴追そついCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbA legal term for prosecuting someone — bringing criminal charges and pursuing the case against them. Heard in court coverage and legal discussion of criminal cases.

Use 起訴 for the act of formally indicting someone, 検察 for the prosecution as a side in a criminal case, 訴追 as the legal term for bringing charges, and 告発 for accusation or denunciation.

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

• 起訴きそprosecution
• 検察けんさつcriminal investigation
• 告発こくはつindictment
• 訴追そついprosecution
• 訴追側そついがわ(the) prosecution
• 公訴こうそ(public) prosecution