In 15 Seconds
- Means 'tax-free' or 'exempt from duty'.
- Used mostly for shopping and travel contexts.
- Commonly seen as '免税店' (Duty-free shop) at airports.
Meaning
This phrase literally means 'exempt from tax.' It is what you look for when you want to buy things at the airport or special shops without paying the government's added sales tax.
Key Examples
3 of 6Walking through an international airport
这里的免税店在哪儿？
Where is the duty-free shop here?
Confirming a price with a salesperson
这个价格是免税的吗？
Is this price tax-free?
Texting a friend about a favor
帮我在免税店买个香水吧！
Help me buy a perfume at the duty-free shop!
Cultural Background
In China, 'shopping tourism' is a massive trend, especially in places like Hainan province which has special offshore duty-free policies. The phrase represents the growing middle-class desire for global luxury brands at better prices. It's often associated with the 'Daigou' (shopping agent) culture where people buy tax-free goods abroad for friends back home.
Don't confuse with 'Free'
Remember: `免税` (miǎn shuì) is tax-free, but `免费` (miǎn fèi) is totally free. Don't walk out of a shop without paying just because you saw the word `免`!
Check the 'Refund' option
In many cities, shops aren't `免税` directly. You pay tax first and get a `退税` (tuì shuì - tax refund) at the airport. Look for the 'Tax Refund' sign.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'tax-free' or 'exempt from duty'.
- Used mostly for shopping and travel contexts.
- Commonly seen as '免税店' (Duty-free shop) at airports.
What It Means
免税 is your best friend when traveling. It means you don't have to pay the standard taxes. Usually, this refers to the Value Added Tax (VAT) or customs duties. It is a simple, two-character combination. 免 means to excuse or exempt. 税 means tax. Together, they create a magic word for shoppers. You will see this on big signs at international borders.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective or a verb. Most often, you will see it paired with 店 (shop). A 免税店 is a duty-free store. If you are asking if a price includes tax, you might ask if it is 免税 or if you can get a 退税 (tax refund). It is very straightforward. Just place it before the noun you are describing.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at the airport. Use it when you are in special economic zones like Hainan. It is perfect for talking about luxury goods. If you are buying a camera or a designer bag, ask: "Is this 免税?" It is also used in business contexts. Companies might discuss 免税 policies for imports. It is a very practical, money-saving term.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for your personal income tax. That is a different process entirely. Also, do not use it for 'free' things. 免税 does not mean the item is free. It only means the tax portion is gone. If a friend gives you a gift, don't call it 免税. That would be very confusing! Use 免费 for things that cost zero dollars.
Cultural Background
Chinese travelers are some of the world's biggest duty-free shoppers. In Chinese culture, bringing back gifts (手信) is very important. Buying these at a 免税店 shows you traveled far. It also shows you are a smart spender. Recently, the island of Hainan became a huge 免税 hub. It has changed how people shop within China. It is now a lifestyle to go on a 'tax-free' vacation.
Common Variations
You will often hear 免税店 (duty-free shop). Another common one is 退税 (tax refund). 退税 is what you do at the airport counter. You might also hear 含税 (tax included). Knowing these three will save you a lot of money. Always check if the price on the tag is 免税 or not!
Usage Notes
The phrase is very stable and doesn't change much between regions. It is safe to use in any Mandarin-speaking environment. Just be careful to distinguish between 'duty-free' (no tax at all) and 'tax-back' (refund required).
Don't confuse with 'Free'
Remember: `免税` (miǎn shuì) is tax-free, but `免费` (miǎn fèi) is totally free. Don't walk out of a shop without paying just because you saw the word `免`!
Check the 'Refund' option
In many cities, shops aren't `免税` directly. You pay tax first and get a `退税` (tuì shuì - tax refund) at the airport. Look for the 'Tax Refund' sign.
The Hainan Secret
If you are in China, you don't need to leave the country for tax-free goods. Hainan has a special 'offshore' status where locals and tourists can shop tax-free up to a high limit.
Examples
6这里的免税店在哪儿？
Where is the duty-free shop here?
A standard way to ask for directions to the shopping area.
这个价格是免税的吗？
Is this price tax-free?
Using the phrase as an adjective to clarify the cost.
帮我在免税店买个香水吧！
Help me buy a perfume at the duty-free shop!
A very common request among friends traveling abroad.
这些进口设备是可以免税的。
This imported equipment is tax-exempt.
Used in a formal business or legal context regarding regulations.
我的钱包现在也是“免税”的，因为没钱交税。
My wallet is also 'tax-free' now, because there's no money to tax.
A humorous play on the word to describe having no money.
太好了，这件大衣免税省了不少钱！
Great, this coat being tax-free saved me a lot of money!
Expressing positive emotion regarding savings.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about shopping at the airport.
机场的___商品通常比市区便宜。
免税 (tax-free) is the correct term for airport goods. 免费 means free of charge, and 免单 means the bill is on the house.
How do you say 'Duty-free shop' in Chinese?
我想去___看看化妆品。
免税店 (tax-free shop) is the standard term. 税务局 is the tax bureau.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '免税'
Texting friends to buy stuff.
免税店见！
Asking a clerk about prices.
这是免税的吗？
Official government policy or business.
享受免税政策。
Where you will see '免税'
Airport Terminal
Duty-free signage
Hainan Island
Offshore shopping
Border Crossing
Customs declarations
Business Meeting
Import/Export talk
Practice Bank
2 exercises机场的___商品通常比市区便宜。
免税 (tax-free) is the correct term for airport goods. 免费 means free of charge, and 免单 means the bill is on the house.
我想去___看看化妆品。
免税店 (tax-free shop) is the standard term. 税务局 is the tax bureau.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt combines 免 (to exempt) and 税 (tax). So it literally means to be exempt from paying tax.
It is neutral. You can use it with a friend or in a business contract without any issues.
No, for free samples use 免费样品. 免税 only refers to the tax portion of the price.
You can say 免税店在哪里？ (Miǎnshuì diàn zài nǎlǐ?).
Usually no. For personal income tax, people use 免征额 or 起征点. 免税 is mostly for consumer goods.
免税 means the tax is removed at the time of purchase. 退税 means you pay it and get it back later at the airport.
Yes, especially in international airports and in the Hainan Free Trade Port.
Yes, like in 这个商品可以免税 (This product can be tax-exempted).
Mixing it up with 免费 (free). If you say a meal is 免税, the waiter will think you are a diplomat, not that you want a free meal!
Because luxury goods are often much more expensive in China due to import taxes, so 免税 shopping is a major goal for travelers.
Related Phrases
免税店 (Duty-free shop)
退税 (Tax refund)
免费 (Free of charge)
含税 (Tax included)
关税 (Customs duty)
