In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to escape taxes' or illegal tax evasion.
- Used for serious legal crimes or celebrity scandals.
- Combines 'escape' (táo) and 'tax' (shuì).
Meaning
This phrase describes the illegal act of hiding income or faking expenses to avoid paying taxes to the government.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a celebrity scandal
那个明星因为逃税被罚款了。
That celebrity was fined for tax evasion.
In a business meeting
我们公司绝对不能有逃税的行为。
Our company must absolutely not have any tax evasion behavior.
Texting a friend about a shop
这家店只收现金，是不是想逃税？
This shop only takes cash; do they want to evade taxes?
Cultural Background
Tax evasion has become a high-profile issue in China recently, especially with the 'Common Prosperity' initiative. High-earning influencers and actors have faced massive fines, making this a frequent 'trending topic' on social media. It reflects a shift toward stricter financial transparency and social accountability.
Don't confuse with '避税'
`逃税` (táo shuì) is illegal evasion. `避税` (bì shuì) is legal avoidance/planning. Using the wrong one can change a compliment into an accusation!
The 'Fan Bingbing' Effect
If you mention `逃税` in China, people often think of famous actress Fan Bingbing. Her 2018 case made this word a household term for 'downfall'.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to escape taxes' or illegal tax evasion.
- Used for serious legal crimes or celebrity scandals.
- Combines 'escape' (táo) and 'tax' (shuì).
What It Means
逃税 is a straightforward term for tax evasion. It literally means 'escaping taxes.' You use it when someone intentionally breaks the law to keep more money. It is not about legal tax planning. It is about hiding cash under the mattress or lying on forms. Think of it as playing a game of hide-and-seek with the government. But in this game, the government has very big flashlights.
How To Use It
You can use 逃税 as a verb or a noun. Usually, you pair it with a person or a company. You might say 'He is 逃税ing' or 'This is an act of 逃税.' In daily conversation, it sounds serious but clear. You can use it when discussing news about celebrities. You can also use it when talking about business ethics. Just don't point fingers at your friends unless you're joking! It is a heavy accusation in a professional setting.
When To Use It
Use this when the situation involves illegal activity. It is perfect for discussing a scandal you saw on Weibo. It fits well in a business meeting about compliance. You can use it when watching a crime drama. If a shop only takes cash to hide income, that is 逃税. It is a great word for expressing disapproval of unfairness.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 逃税 for legal tax breaks. For legal methods, use 避税 (tax avoidance). One is a crime; the other is just being smart. Don't use it for small mistakes on a form. That is usually just an error, not 'escaping.' Also, avoid using it as a greeting. 'Hi, are you 逃税 today?' will definitely lose you some friends.
Cultural Background
In China, 逃税 is a massive topic in the entertainment industry. Several 'A-list' celebrities have disappeared from public life due to tax scandals. The public takes this very seriously. It is seen as a betrayal of social responsibility. There is a famous saying: 'Death and taxes are unavoidable.' In China, the 'tax' part is getting much harder to escape lately.
Common Variations
You will often hear 偷税漏税. This is a four-character version that sounds more formal. 偷 means to steal, and 漏 means to leak. It covers every way someone might cheat the system. If you want to sound like a legal expert, use that. For a coffee chat, 逃税 is perfectly fine and punchy.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in register and can be used in both daily speech and formal writing. Be careful with the legal distinction between evasion and avoidance.
Don't confuse with '避税'
`逃税` (táo shuì) is illegal evasion. `避税` (bì shuì) is legal avoidance/planning. Using the wrong one can change a compliment into an accusation!
The 'Fan Bingbing' Effect
If you mention `逃税` in China, people often think of famous actress Fan Bingbing. Her 2018 case made this word a household term for 'downfall'.
Tone Matters
Because it's a crime, avoid using it to describe a friend's actual finances unless you are 100% sure they are joking. It's a very 'heavy' word.
Examples
6那个明星因为逃税被罚款了。
That celebrity was fined for tax evasion.
A very common sentence structure in news discussions.
我们公司绝对不能有逃税的行为。
Our company must absolutely not have any tax evasion behavior.
Setting a firm ethical boundary in a professional context.
这家店只收现金，是不是想逃税？
This shop only takes cash; do they want to evade taxes?
A common suspicion when businesses refuse digital payments.
你捡到一百块不分我，你这是逃税！
You found 100 yuan and didn't share? That's tax evasion!
Using a serious term for a tiny, funny situation.
普通人交税，富人却逃税，太不公平了。
Ordinary people pay taxes while the rich evade them; it's so unfair.
Expressing a strong social opinion.
逃税是违法行为，会受到法律制裁。
Tax evasion is an illegal act and will be punished by law.
Standard legal or educational phrasing.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to describe an illegal act.
他因为___被警察调查了。
`逃税` (tax evasion) is the only illegal act listed that would lead to a police investigation.
Complete the sentence about a business.
为了赚钱而___是不对的。
The sentence implies a moral judgment, making `逃税` the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '逃税'
Joking with friends about 'owing' them money.
你欠我饭，你在逃税！
Discussing news or business ethics.
逃税对社会不好。
Legal documents or news reports.
严厉打击逃税行为。
When to use '逃税'
Celebrity Gossip
Did you hear about his tax scandal?
Business Ethics
We must stay compliant.
News/Politics
The government is cracking down.
Hyperbolic Jokes
You didn't pay your share of the bill!
Practice Bank
2 exercises他因为___被警察调查了。
`逃税` (tax evasion) is the only illegal act listed that would lead to a police investigation.
为了赚钱而___是不对的。
The sentence implies a moral judgment, making `逃税` the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt comes from 逃 (to escape) and 税 (tax). It literally means to run away from your tax obligations.
No, it is a standard dictionary term. However, it is used very frequently in 'slangy' social media contexts when gossiping about stars.
Not really. 逃税 implies intent. For a mistake, you might just say 算错了 (calculated wrong) or 漏掉了 (missed it).
They are very similar. 偷税 (tōu shuì) literally means 'stealing taxes' and is often used in legal contexts like 偷税漏税.
You can use the four-character idiom 偷税漏税 (tōu shuì lòu shuì). It sounds more professional and comprehensive.
Yes! You can say 他在逃税 (He is evading taxes). It functions as a verb-object construction.
Yes, if you are discussing compliance or legal risks. It is a neutral, factual term for a crime.
The opposite is 纳税 (nà shuì) which means to pay taxes, or 守法 (shǒu fǎ) which means to follow the law.
Due to several high-profile crackdowns on 'yin-yang contracts' in the film industry, it's a constant topic in the news.
Yes, 逃 is very common. For example, 逃课 (táo kè) means to skip class, and 逃跑 (táo pǎo) means to run away.
Related Phrases
避税
Tax avoidance (legal)
纳税
To pay taxes
偷税漏税
Tax evasion and tax leakage (formal)
阴阳合同
Yin-yang contracts (a method used for tax evasion)
