Understanding 被告 (bèi gào)
The term 被告 specifically refers to the defendant in a legal context — the person who is accused or sued in court. It is a formal legal term used in judicial settings.
Usage in Sentences
被告 is commonly used in discussions about trials, court proceedings, and legal rights. For example, 被告 can be the subject of sentences describing their actions, rights, or the defense presented on their behalf.
Common Collocations
- 被告人 (bèigàorén): defendant (more formal, often used in legal documents)
- 被告律师 (bèigào lǜshī): defendant's lawyer
- 被告席 (bèigào xí): defendant's seat in court
These collocations are essential for discussing legal procedures clearly.
Register and Tone
被告 is a formal term and rarely used outside legal or official contexts. It is not used to describe someone accused informally or metaphorically.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 被告 with 原告 (yuángào), which means plaintiff or accuser. 被告 is the party defending against accusations, while 原告 is the party bringing the accusation.