关税
关税 30秒で
- 关税 means 'customs duty' or 'tariff', specifically referring to taxes on goods crossing international borders.
- The word is composed of '关' (gate/pass) and '税' (tax), visually representing a toll at a border crossing.
- Commonly used in contexts of international trade, online shopping from overseas, and airport customs procedures.
- It is a formal noun, often paired with verbs like '征收' (levy), '交' (pay), or '降低' (reduce).
The term 关税 (guānshuì) is a fundamental noun in the realm of international trade and economics, representing the 'customs duty' or 'tariff' imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. To understand this word deeply, one must look at its two constituent characters. The first character, 关 (guān), traditionally refers to a mountain pass, a strategic gate, or a frontier checkpoint. In ancient China, these 'passes' were the primary locations for controlling the flow of people and merchandise. The second character, 税 (shuì), is the general term for tax, composed of the 'grain' radical (禾), which historically signifies the agricultural roots of taxation in early Chinese civilization. When combined, 关税 literally translates to the 'tax collected at the gate,' a vivid image that has survived from the era of the Silk Road to the modern age of digital global commerce.
- Economic Context
- In modern economic discourse, 关税 is used to describe the fiscal policy tools used by nations to protect domestic industries from foreign competition or to generate government revenue. For instance, when a country wants to encourage citizens to buy locally produced cars, it might raise the 关税 on imported vehicles.
- Logistics and Travel
- For the average traveler or online shopper, 关税 is a practical concern. If you order a luxury watch from overseas, you may be required to pay 关税 before the package is released to you. In this context, it is often associated with the 'Customs' department (海关).
政府决定提高进口汽车的关税以保护国内产业。(The government decided to raise the import tariff on cars to protect domestic industries.)
People use this word most frequently in news reports concerning 'trade wars' (贸易战), where 'retaliatory tariffs' (报复性关税) are a central theme. It is also a common topic in business negotiations and supply chain management. If a company is calculating the 'landed cost' of a product, the 关税 is a critical variable. Furthermore, the concept of a 'Free Trade Zone' (自由贸易区) is defined specifically by the absence or reduction of 关税 between member states. Understanding 关税 is not just about learning a word; it is about understanding how the world's economies interact through barriers and bridges.
这家公司因为没交关税而被海关扣留了货物。(This company had its goods detained by customs because they didn't pay the tariff.)
- Historical Evolution
- Historically, 关税 were one of the primary sources of income for the Chinese imperial government. The 'Maritime Customs Service' established in the late Qing Dynasty played a massive role in China's modern history and its relations with Western powers.
In the 21st century, the discussion around 关税 has shifted towards 'Digital Services Taxes' and environmental 'Carbon Tariffs.' Even as the world moves toward globalization, the 关 remains a powerful symbol of national sovereignty and economic control. Whether you are a student of international relations, a business professional, or a casual shopper, the word 关税 will appear whenever goods cross a border.
Using 关税 (guānshuì) correctly requires an understanding of its role as a noun that often functions as the object of verbs like 'levy,' 'reduce,' or 'pay.' It can also act as an attributive noun to describe things like 'tariff rates' or 'tariff barriers.' Below are detailed examples ranging from daily life to high-level policy discussions.
1. 这种电子产品的关税非常高。(The tariff on this kind of electronic product is very high.)
In this simple sentence, 关税 is the subject. It is common to use adjectives like 高 (gāo - high) or 低 (dī - low) to describe the rate of the tariff. For a B1 learner, this is the most essential pattern to master.
- Verb Pairings
- Common verbs that go with 关税 include: 征收 (zhēngshōu - to levy/collect), 降低 (jiàngdī - to reduce), 豁免 (huòmiǎn - to exempt), and 提高 (tígāo - to increase).
2. 许多国家签署了协议,决定互相减免关税。(Many countries signed an agreement deciding to mutually reduce or exempt tariffs.)
In professional settings, you will often hear 减免 (jiǎnmiǎn), which is a contraction of 减少 (reduce) and 免除 (exempt). This is a formal way to discuss trade liberalization. Notice how the word 关税 follows the verb directly as the object of the action.
3. 这里的价格不包括关税,你可能需要额外支付。(The price here does not include customs duty; you might need to pay extra.)
This sentence is extremely useful for anyone shopping on international websites like AliExpress, Amazon, or Taobao Global. The phrase '不包括关税' (bù bāokuò guānshuì) is a standard disclaimer. The verb 支付 (zhīfù) is a more formal version of 交 (jiāo), suitable for financial transactions.
- Compound Usage
- 关税壁垒 (guānshuì bìlěi - tariff barriers) and 关税同盟 (guānshuì tóngméng - customs union) are two academic terms that show how 关税 can modify another noun to create complex economic concepts.
4. 为了应对贸易争端,该国对进口农产品加征了关税。(To cope with trade disputes, the country imposed additional tariffs on imported agricultural products.)
The term 加征 (jiāzhēng) specifically means 'to impose an additional tax.' This is very common in news headlines. By studying these patterns, you can see that 关税 is not just a vocabulary word but a building block for discussing the complexities of the global economy.
You will encounter the word 关税 (guānshuì) in several distinct environments, each with its own nuance. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild and use it appropriately.
- 1. Financial News and Media
- This is the most common place. News anchors on CCTV or financial podcasts frequently discuss '关税政策' (guānshuì zhèngcè - tariff policy). Whenever there is a summit between world leaders, the word 关税 is almost guaranteed to appear in the context of trade negotiations.
今日新闻:两国达成一致,将逐步取消现有的关税。(Today's News: The two countries reached an agreement to gradually abolish existing tariffs.)
In these reports, the tone is usually formal and objective. You will hear it alongside words like 贸易逆差 (trade deficit) and 经济增长 (economic growth).
- 2. Airports and Border Crossings
- If you are traveling internationally, you will see signs at the airport. The 'Nothing to Declare' channel is for people who don't have goods subject to 关税. If you are stopped by a customs officer, they might ask if you are carrying items that require a '申报' (shēnbào - declaration) for 关税 purposes.
海关人员问:“你有没有需要交关税的物品?”(The customs officer asked: "Do you have any items that need tariffs paid?")
- 3. E-commerce and Logistics
- When you use apps like Taobao or Jingdong to buy imported milk powder or cosmetics, the checkout page will often show a line item for '预计关税' (yùjì guānshuì - estimated tariff). Logistics companies like SF Express or DHL will send you SMS notifications if your package is held up due to unpaid 关税.
In these digital contexts, the word is often abbreviated or combined, such as in '跨境电商关税' (cross-border e-commerce tariff). It is a practical, everyday word for the modern Chinese consumer who enjoys global brands.
由于关税调整,这款包的价格上涨了。(Due to tariff adjustments, the price of this bag has gone up.)
Lastly, in university classrooms and academic journals, 关税 is analyzed through the lens of economic theory. You might hear about '最优关税' (optimum tariff) or '关税的有效保护率' (effective rate of protection). Whether in a textbook or a text message, 关税 is the keyword for goods crossing boundaries.
Even for intermediate learners, 关税 (guānshuì) can be tricky due to its specific application and phonetic similarity to other terms. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
- 1. Confusing 'Customs' (海关) with 'Tariff' (关税)
- Many students say 'I need to pay the 海关' (I need to pay the customs). In Chinese, 海关 (hǎiguān) is the institution/agency, while 关税 (guānshuì) is the money you pay. You pay 关税 *to* the 海关.
❌ 错误:我要交海关。(I want to pay the customs agency.)
✅ 正确:我要交关税。(I want to pay the tariff.)
This is a category error. One is the collector, the other is the collection. Always use 关税 when referring to the fee itself.
- 2. Misusing the Verb 'Collect'
- Learners often use 拿 (ná - take) or 收 (shōu - receive) inappropriately. While 收 is acceptable for a person receiving money, the government 'levies' taxes. The professional term is 征收 (zhēngshōu).
- 3. Over-generalizing 'Tax' (税)
- In English, we sometimes just say 'the tax' at the border. In Chinese, just saying 税 (shuì) is often too vague. Since there are many types of taxes (income tax, consumption tax, etc.), using the full word 关税 is necessary for clarity in a trade context.
❌ 错误:进口税收很高。(Import taxation is high - grammatically okay but less natural.)
✅ 正确:进口关税很高。(Import tariffs are high.)
Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of 税 (shuì). Many beginners pronounce it like 'shui' (water), but it has a distinct fourth tone. If you say 'guānshuǐ' (關水), it sounds like 'turn off the water.' Make sure to hit that falling tone sharply: guānshuì!
- 4. Incorrect Collocation with 'Products'
- Don't say '产品的关税' (the product's tariff) as if the product owns it. Instead, use '对...征收关税' (levy tariff on...) or '...的关税' (the tariff for...).
By avoiding these four common errors, your Chinese will sound more professional and precise, especially in business or travel situations.
To truly master 关税 (guānshuì), it helps to know its 'neighbors'—words that are related but have different shades of meaning. Here is a comparison of synonyms and alternatives.
- 关税 vs. 税收 (shuìshōu)
- 税收 is a broad, collective term for 'tax revenue' or 'taxation' in general. It encompasses everything from income tax to property tax. 关税 is a specific *type* of tax. You would use 税收 when talking about the government's total budget, but 关税 when talking about trade specifically.
国家的税收主要来自个人所得税。(The country's tax revenue mainly comes from personal income tax.)
- 关税 vs. 进口税 (jìnkǒushuì)
- These are very similar. 进口税 literally means 'import tax.' In many casual contexts, they are interchangeable. However, 关税 is the more formal, technical term used in law and international treaties. Also, 关税 technically includes '出口税' (export duties), though those are much rarer today.
- 关税 vs. 课税 (kèshuì)
- 课税 is a formal verb/noun meaning 'to levy a tax' or 'taxation.' It is much more academic and formal than 关税. You might see it in a legal document: '对海外资产进行课税' (to levy tax on overseas assets). You wouldn't use it in a casual conversation about buying a pair of shoes.
政府对奢侈品征收高额关税。(The government levies high tariffs on luxury goods.)
Other related terms include: 附加税 (fùjiāshuì - surcharge/additional tax), 增值税 (zēngzhíshuì - VAT), and 消费税 (xiāofèishuì - consumption tax). When you receive an import bill, it often breaks down the total cost into these specific categories. Knowing the difference helps you understand exactly what you are paying for.
- Summary of Choice
- Use 关税 for anything related to international trade and customs. Use 税收 for general government revenue. Use 进口税 if you want to be very specific about the direction of trade.
In summary, 关税 is the 'gold standard' word for tariffs. While other words exist, 关税 is the most versatile and widely recognized term for this specific economic concept.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
In ancient China, 关税 were often collected in kind (like silk or grain) rather than money. The character 税 has a 'grain' radical because most early taxes were literally portions of the harvest.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'shuì' as 'shui' (third tone), which means water.
- Pronouncing 'guān' as 'guǎn' (third tone), which means to manage.
- Mixing up the tones, making it sound like 'closing the water' (guān shuǐ).
- Slurring the 'n' in 'guan'.
- Failing to aspirate the 'sh' correctly.
難易度
The characters are relatively common, but the contexts (economics/law) can be dense.
The character 税 has many strokes and requires practice to write neatly.
The tones are crucial to avoid confusion with 'water' (shuǐ).
Easily recognized in news reports due to frequent repetition.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
知っておくべき文法
Using '对...征收' for levying taxes.
政府对烟草征收高关税。
Nouns acting as adjectives (关税 + Noun).
关税政策、关税壁垒。
Using '由于' to express cause in formal contexts.
由于关税上调,物价上涨。
Passive voice with '被' in slang.
我的包裹被税了。
Resultative complements with '交'.
关税交齐了。
レベル別の例文
这个东西有关税吗?
Does this item have a tariff?
Simple subject + verb + object question structure.
关税不便宜。
The tariff is not cheap.
Using '不' to negate the adjective '便宜'.
我要交多少关税?
How much tariff do I need to pay?
Using '多少' to ask about quantity/amount.
那是关税。
That is the tariff.
Basic 'A is B' structure.
我不喜欢关税。
I don't like tariffs.
Expressing a simple preference.
这里的关税很低。
The tariff here is very low.
Using '很' to modify the adjective '低'.
请交关税。
Please pay the tariff.
A polite imperative using '请'.
关税是多少?
What is the tariff?
Direct question about a value.
如果你买海外的东西,你要交关税。
If you buy overseas things, you have to pay tariffs.
If...then (如果...就/要) structure.
海关在那儿收取关税。
Customs collects tariffs over there.
Locative phrase '在...' indicating where the action happens.
这瓶酒的关税是多少钱?
How much is the tariff for this bottle of wine?
Using the possessive '的' to link the item to the tariff.
我不知道这个有关税。
I didn't know this had a tariff.
Using '知道' in a negative sentence.
关税已经包含在价格里了。
The tariff is already included in the price.
Using the '在...里' structure for inclusion.
你可以上网查关税。
You can check the tariff online.
Using '可以' to express possibility/permission.
因为关税,所以很贵。
Because of the tariff, it is very expensive.
Because...therefore (因为...所以) structure.
他忘了交关税。
He forgot to pay the tariff.
Verb + 忘了 + Verb phrase.
政府决定降低进口化妆品的关税。
The government decided to reduce the tariff on imported cosmetics.
Verb '决定' (decide) followed by a complex object phrase.
这些货物需要缴纳百分之十的关税。
These goods need to pay a ten percent tariff.
Using '缴纳' (formal pay) and percentages.
如果你在免税店买,就不用交关税。
If you buy at a duty-free shop, you don't need to pay tariffs.
Negative requirement '不用' (no need to).
关税的高低直接影响了产品的竞争力。
The level of the tariff directly affects the product's competitiveness.
Using '高低' (high-low) as a compound noun meaning 'level'.
有些国家对奢侈品征收高额关税。
Some countries levy high tariffs on luxury goods.
Using '对...征收' (levy on...).
为了减少贸易逆差,他们提高了关税。
To reduce the trade deficit, they raised tariffs.
Using '为了' (in order to) to express purpose.
买家通常需要承担跨境购物的关税。
Buyers usually need to bear the tariffs for cross-border shopping.
Using '承担' (bear/undertake) with a noun phrase.
海关会根据货物的价值计算关税。
Customs will calculate the tariff based on the value of the goods.
Using '根据...计算' (calculate according to...).
贸易战导致两国互相加征了报复性关税。
The trade war led to both countries imposing retaliatory tariffs on each other.
Using '导致' (lead to) for causative relationships.
关税壁垒是保护国内产业的一种常见手段。
Tariff barriers are a common means of protecting domestic industries.
Using '...的一种手段' (a kind of means).
该协议旨在通过取消关税来促进自由贸易。
The agreement aims to promote free trade by eliminating tariffs.
Using '旨在' (aims at) and '通过...来' (by means of...).
由于关税上调,进口原材料的成本大幅增加。
Due to the tariff hike, the cost of imported raw materials increased significantly.
Using '大幅' (substantially) to modify a verb.
企业正在寻找途径来规避高昂的关税。
Companies are looking for ways to circumvent high tariffs.
Using '规避' (circumvent/evade) in a business context.
新的关税政策将于下个月正式生效。
The new tariff policy will officially take effect next month.
Using '将于' (will at - formal future) and '生效' (take effect).
许多经济学家批评这种保护主义的关税做法。
Many economists criticize this protectionist tariff practice.
Using '批评' (criticize) with a specific practice.
关税同盟内部的成员国通常享受零关税待遇。
Member states within a customs union usually enjoy zero-tariff treatment.
Using '享受...待遇' (enjoy... treatment).
尽管有关税减让,但非关税壁垒依然存在。
Despite tariff concessions, non-tariff barriers still exist.
Using '尽管...但' (despite... but) for contrast.
政府通过调整关税结构来优化资源配置。
The government optimizes resource allocation by adjusting the tariff structure.
Using '优化' (optimize) and '资源配置' (resource allocation).
关税自主权的丧失是近代中国不平等条约的结果。
The loss of tariff autonomy was a result of unequal treaties in modern China.
Historical analysis using formal vocabulary.
这种从价关税的征收方式更能反映货物的真实价值。
This ad valorem tariff collection method better reflects the true value of the goods.
Using '从价' (ad valorem) as a technical term.
关税的变动往往会引发全球供应链的连锁反应。
Changes in tariffs often trigger a chain reaction in global supply chains.
Using '引发' (trigger) and '连锁反应' (chain reaction).
在世贸组织框架下,关税上限是受到严格约束的。
Within the WTO framework, tariff ceilings are strictly constrained.
Using '在...框架下' (within the framework of).
该国利用关税作为外交谈判中的重要筹码。
The country uses tariffs as an important bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations.
Metaphorical use of '筹码' (bargaining chip).
环境关税旨在将碳排放的外部性内部化。
Environmental tariffs aim to internalize the externalities of carbon emissions.
High-level economic terminology ('外部性内部化').
关税的内生性决定了其在宏观经济调控中的复杂角色。
The endogeneity of tariffs determines their complex role in macroeconomic regulation.
Using '内生性' (endogeneity) - extremely formal/academic.
通过博弈论分析,我们可以预测两国在关税对峙中的策略选择。
Through game theory analysis, we can predict the strategic choices of two countries in a tariff standoff.
Using '博弈论' (game theory) as an analytical framework.
最优关税理论探讨了贸易大国如何通过关税改善贸易条件。
The optimum tariff theory explores how large trading nations improve terms of trade through tariffs.
Technical discussion of '最优关税' (optimum tariff).
关税减让表是双边贸易协定中最核心、也最冗长的部分。
The tariff concession schedule is the most central and most tedious part of bilateral trade agreements.
Using '冗长' (tedious/long-winded) to describe legal text.
在数字贸易时代,传统的关税征收机制面临着前所未有的挑战。
In the era of digital trade, traditional tariff collection mechanisms face unprecedented challenges.
Using '前所未有' (unprecedented) - set idiomatic expression.
该论文深入剖析了关税有效保护率对产业升级的抑制作用。
The paper deeply analyzes the inhibitory effect of the effective rate of protection of tariffs on industrial upgrading.
Using '深入剖析' (deeply analyze) and '抑制作用' (inhibitory effect).
关税政策的透明度是评估一个国家营商环境的关键指标。
The transparency of tariff policy is a key indicator for assessing a country's business environment.
Using '营商环境' (business environment) and '关键指标' (key indicator).
历史证明,竞争性关税上调往往会导致全球经济的萎缩。
History proves that competitive tariff hikes often lead to a contraction of the global economy.
Using '萎缩' (shrink/contract) in an economic sense.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— Tariff autonomy. The right of a nation to set its own tariff rates.
关税自主是国家主权的象征。
— General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The predecessor to the WTO.
GATT旨在减少关税和其他贸易障碍。
— Protective tariff. A tariff intended to protect domestic industries.
保护性关税可以防止外国倾销。
— Revenue tariff. A tariff designed mainly to raise money for the government.
在某些国家,财政性关税是主要收入来源。
— Preferential tariff. Lower rates given to specific trading partners.
发展中国家常享受优惠关税。
— Tariff-rate quota. A system where a lower tariff applies to a specific quantity of goods.
小麦进口受关税配额管理。
— Variable levy. A tariff that changes based on market price differences.
欧盟曾使用差价关税保护农产品。
— Nominal tariff. The official published tariff rate.
名义关税不一定反映真实的保护程度。
— Effective tariff. The real level of protection considering inputs.
有效关税率通常高于名义关税率。
— Bound tariff. The maximum tariff level a country agrees to in the WTO.
成员国不能随意提高约束关税。
よく混同される語
海关 is the Customs office; 关税 is the tariff money. You go to the 海关 to pay the 关税.
增值税 is VAT (Value Added Tax), which is an internal tax. 关税 only applies to imports/exports.
消费税 is a consumption tax often applied to luxury items. It is separate from, but often collected with, 关税.
慣用句と表現
— While technically a term, it is used idiomatically to describe any major obstacle to international cooperation.
除了关税壁垒,还有文化隔阂。
Formal— Exorbitant taxes and levies. Used to describe an oppressive tax system.
古代的苛捐杂税让百姓生活艰难。
Literary— To stuff one's own pockets. Often used when customs officials embezzle 关税.
那个贪官利用关税中饱私囊。
Common— Open new sources of income and reduce expenditure. Raising 关税 is a way to '开源'.
政府通过调整关税来开源节流。
Formal— Seek only profit. Used for people who smuggle to avoid 关税.
那些走私犯唯利是图,不惜犯法。
Common— To take advantage of loopholes. Used for companies finding gaps in tariff laws.
这家企业试图通过投机取巧来少交关税。
Neutral— Prevent trouble before it happens. Protective 关税 are seen as a way to do this for industries.
提高关税是为了对国内产业防患未然。
Formal— Profitable. Low tariffs make international trade more 有利可图.
零关税让跨境电商更有利可图。
Common— Equal exchange. Tariffs are often seen as disrupting the principle of 等价交换.
关税打破了自由贸易中的等价交换。
Academic— Act according to local conditions. Tariff policies must be implemented 因地制宜.
制定关税政策需要因地制宜。
Formal間違えやすい
Both involve taxing.
课税 is the formal act of imposing a tax (verb/noun), while 关税 is the specific name of the border tax.
政府对烟草课税。 / 这里的关税很高。
Both mean tax.
税收 is the total revenue collected by the state from all sources. 关税 is just one component.
国家每年的税收都在增加。
Almost identical in meaning.
进口税 is a subset of 关税. 关税 is the official legal term that can also include export taxes.
这笔货物的进口税已经交了。
Both are specific types of taxes.
印花税 is Stamp Duty (on documents/stocks). 关税 is only for physical goods crossing borders.
买股票需要交印花税。
Common tax words.
所得税 is Income Tax (on earnings). 关税 is on goods.
我每个月都要交个人所得税。
文型パターン
这个[物品]有关税吗?
这个相机有关税吗?
因为关税,所以[物品]很贵。
因为关税,所以进口车很贵。
政府决定[提高/降低]...的关税。
政府决定降低进口大豆的关税。
征收关税是为了[目的]。
征收关税是为了保护国内农民。
尽管[原因],但关税壁垒依然[结果]。
尽管全球化在发展,但关税壁垒依然存在。
关税的[名词性特征]决定了其[影响]。
关税的内生性决定了其对市场的复杂影响。
请在海关缴纳关税。
请在海关缴纳您的关税。
价格不包括关税。
网站上的价格不包括关税。
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
Very high in business and news; moderate in daily life (mostly for shoppers/travelers).
-
Using 关税 for domestic sales tax.
→
Use 增值税 (VAT) or 消费税 (Consumption Tax).
关税 is strictly for international trade. Using it for a tax at a local supermarket is incorrect.
-
Saying '支付海关' (Pay the customs).
→
Say '缴纳关税' (Pay the tariff).
You pay the tax (关税), not the agency (海关). This is a common logic error for English speakers.
-
Pronouncing 'shuì' with a third tone.
→
Use the fourth tone (falling).
Shuǐ (third tone) means water. Saying 'guān shuǐ' sounds like 'turn off the water.'
-
Writing the radical 禾 as 木 in 税.
→
Ensure the extra stroke at the top of 禾 is present.
禾 means grain, while 木 means wood. Taxes were historically grain-based.
-
Confusing 关税 with 关怀 (care/concern).
→
Check the second character carefully.
Both start with 关, but have completely unrelated meanings. Context usually helps, but be careful when reading fast.
ヒント
Learn the Radicals
Remember that 税 has the 禾 (grain) radical. This helps you remember it's related to historical taxes paid in crops.
Use 征收 correctly
Always remember that the government 征收 (levies) the tax, while the citizen 缴纳 (pays) the tax. Don't swap them!
Check the prices
When shopping in China, '含税' means the price includes all taxes, including 关税. '不含税' means you might be surprised later.
Falling Tone
Exaggerate the fourth tone on 税 (shuì) to ensure you don't sound like you're saying 'water' (shuǐ).
Read the News
The word 关税 appears daily in the financial section of Chinese newspapers. Reading these headlines is great practice.
Airport Signs
Look for the characters 关税 at the airport. They will guide you to the correct channel for declaring goods.
Tariff Barriers
In business meetings, use the term 关税壁垒 (Tariff Barrier) to sound more professional when discussing trade obstacles.
Gate and Grain
Think: At the GATE (关), they take your GRAIN (税). This is the simplest way to keep the word in your mind.
App Usage
Check your Taobao settings. There is often a section for 关税 policies that can help you learn technical terms in context.
Contrast with VAT
Always remind yourself that 关税 is only for borders. This prevents you from using it for everyday sales tax.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of a 'Gate' (关) and a 'Tax' (税). You must pay the tax to get through the gate. 关 looks like a gate with something inside.
視覚的連想
Imagine a giant red gate at a border. On the gate, there is a giant dollar sign ($) made of grain (禾) and a person (兑) paying it.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to write a sentence using 关税 and 海关 together. For example: '我在海关交了关税。' (I paid the tariff at the customs office.)
語源
The word originates from the early bureaucratic systems of China. '关' (guān) originally meant a door bolt, then evolved to mean a strategic pass or checkpoint. '税' (shuì) appeared in the Zhou Dynasty to refer to grain taxes.
元の意味: Toll or tax collected at a strategic mountain pass or border gate.
Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)文化的な背景
Be careful when discussing trade wars in a political context, as it can be a sensitive topic regarding international relations.
In the West, 'tariffs' are often seen through the lens of 'Free Trade vs. Protectionism.' In China, they are often seen through the lens of 'National Economic Sovereignty.'
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Online Shopping
- 含税
- 不含关税
- 代缴关税
- 预计税费
Airport Customs
- 申报
- 免税品
- 超过限额
- 补交关税
Business News
- 贸易争端
- 关税协议
- 加征关税
- 取消关税
History Class
- 关税自主权
- 条约
- 口岸
- 通商
Economics Textbook
- 从价税
- 从量税
- 保护主义
- 自由贸易
会話のきっかけ
"你最近在海外网站买东西被征收关税了吗? (Have you been charged customs duties for buying things on overseas websites recently?)"
"你觉得提高进口车的关税对国内汽车行业有帮助吗? (Do you think raising tariffs on imported cars helps the domestic auto industry?)"
"如果你去旅游,你会买超过免税额度的东西吗? (If you go traveling, would you buy things exceeding the duty-free limit?)"
"你听说最新的中美关税调整了吗? (Have you heard about the latest China-US tariff adjustments?)"
"为什么有些奢侈品在中国比在国外贵那么多?是因为关税吗? (Why are some luxury goods so much more expensive in China than abroad? Is it because of tariffs?)"
日記のテーマ
描述一次你因为关税而不得不支付额外费用的经历。你当时的感觉如何? (Describe an experience where you had to pay extra fees because of tariffs. How did you feel at the time?)
讨论关税对你日常消费习惯的影响。你会避开高关税的商品吗? (Discuss the impact of tariffs on your daily consumption habits. Do you avoid high-tariff goods?)
如果你是一个国家的领导人,你会如何设置关税来保护你的国家? (If you were a national leader, how would you set tariffs to protect your country?)
分析自由贸易与关税壁垒之间的利弊。 (Analyze the pros and cons between free trade and tariff barriers.)
写一段关于未来世界如果不收关税会是什么样子的设想。 (Write a paragraph imagining what the future world would be like if no tariffs were collected.)
よくある質問
10 問Technically, 关税 (guānshuì) is the general term for all customs duties, including both import and export taxes. 进口税 (jìnkǒushuì) specifically refers only to taxes on items coming into the country. In most modern conversations, people use them interchangeably because export taxes are very rare.
You say 免税 (miǎnshuì). A duty-free shop is a 免税店 (miǎnshuìdiàn). This is a very useful word for travelers at airports.
Sometimes. In China, logistics companies like SF Express may pay the 关税 on your behalf and then collect it from you upon delivery. This is called 代缴关税 (dàijiǎo guānshuì).
It depends on the product. For basic necessities, it is low. For luxury goods like cosmetics, high-end cars, and watches, the 关税 can be quite high, sometimes reaching 30% or more.
This is internet slang used by online shoppers. It literally means 'got taxed.' It describes the situation where a package you bought from abroad was stopped and inspected by customs, and you were required to pay 关税.
It is usually called 贸易战 (màoìzhàn - Trade War), but you can specifically say 关税战 (guānshuìzhàn) to refer to the retaliatory hiking of tariffs between two nations.
Generally, no. 关税 is not refundable for individuals. However, travelers can often get a refund on VAT (增值税), which is different. This is called 退税 (tuìshuì).
Historically, 关 referred to a pass or a gate. Taxes were collected at these strategic points as goods moved between regions or into the empire. Thus, it is the 'Gate Tax.'
It is usually calculated as a percentage of the item's value (从价税) or based on quantity (从量税). The customs office uses a standard table called a 'Tariff Schedule' to determine the rate.
Yes, even if an item is a gift, if its value exceeds a certain threshold (usually 50 RMB in China for mailed items), 关税 must be paid.
自分をテスト 200 問
Translate: 'Is there a tariff?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The tariff is too high.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '降低' and '关税'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Tariff barriers protect domestic industries.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss the impact of tariffs on global trade in one sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'How much is the tariff?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I need to pay the tariff at customs.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'This price includes tariffs.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'trade war'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '最惠国待遇'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Customs Duty' in Chinese characters.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I forgot to pay the tax.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'They raised the tariff on cars.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The new policy will take effect next month.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain '从价关税' in simple Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Please pay here.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Is it duty-free?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I don't want to pay the tariff.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'High tariffs increase costs.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'macroeconomic regulation'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Is there a tariff?'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I need to pay the tariff.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'The government reduced the tariff.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Tariff barriers are bad for trade.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'We must protect our tariff autonomy.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'High tariff.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Duty-free shop.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'How much is the import tariff?'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'This is a retaliatory tariff.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Ad valorem tariff is fairer.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'What is the tariff?'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Price includes tariff.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I want to check the tariff online.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'The tariff hike affected the company.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Endogenous tariff theory is interesting.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Pay the tax.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Don't forget the tariff.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'The tariff on wine is high.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Customs union members.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Trade deficit and tariffs.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen: '关税。' What did you hear?
Listen: '我要交关税。' What is the speaker doing?
Listen: '关税降低了。' Did the tariff go up or down?
Listen: '关税壁垒很严重。' Are there major trade obstacles?
Listen: '政府通过关税调整资源配置。' What is the government doing?
Listen: '高关税。' Is the tax high or low?
Listen: '免税。' Is there a tax?
Listen: '进口关税是多少?' What is the speaker asking for?
Listen: '报复性关税。' What kind of tariff is it?
Listen: '最惠国待遇关税。' What kind of treatment is mentioned?
Listen: '交关税。' What action is mentioned?
Listen: '海关收税。' Who is collecting?
Listen: '百分之十的关税。' What is the percentage?
Listen: '规避关税。' What is the company trying to do?
Listen: '最优关税理论。' What is the topic?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
关税 (guānshuì) is the essential term for 'tariffs' in Chinese. Whether you are traveling through an airport (海关), buying things online from abroad, or reading about global trade wars, this word is the key to understanding the extra costs associated with international borders. Example: 请记得计算关税费用 (Please remember to calculate the tariff costs).
- 关税 means 'customs duty' or 'tariff', specifically referring to taxes on goods crossing international borders.
- The word is composed of '关' (gate/pass) and '税' (tax), visually representing a toll at a border crossing.
- Commonly used in contexts of international trade, online shopping from overseas, and airport customs procedures.
- It is a formal noun, often paired with verbs like '征收' (levy), '交' (pay), or '降低' (reduce).
Learn the Radicals
Remember that 税 has the 禾 (grain) radical. This helps you remember it's related to historical taxes paid in crops.
Use 征收 correctly
Always remember that the government 征收 (levies) the tax, while the citizen 缴纳 (pays) the tax. Don't swap them!
Check the prices
When shopping in China, '含税' means the price includes all taxes, including 关税. '不含税' means you might be surprised later.
Falling Tone
Exaggerate the fourth tone on 税 (shuì) to ensure you don't sound like you're saying 'water' (shuǐ).
例文
进口商品需要缴纳关税。
関連コンテンツ
businessの関連語
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1それに応じて / 相応に。前の変化に合わせて、次の行動や状態が変わることを示します。
账号
A2銀行口座番号や、オンラインサービスにアクセスするために使用されるユーザーID。
客户经理
A2顧客との関係を管理し、ニーズに応えるアカウントマネージャー。
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
会计
A2会計士は、財務記録を管理する専門家です。
收购
B1企業を買収する。
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2広告費。製品やサービスを宣伝するために支払われる費用。
调整
B1来四半期のマーケティング戦略を調整する必要があります。