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B1 noun #3,000 most common 7 min read

进口

jinkou Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 进口 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 进口 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '进口' (jìnkǒu) in its simplest form as a word for 'entrance'. You might see it on signs in a park or at a building. It is composed of '进' (to enter) and '口' (mouth/opening). Think of it as the 'mouth' of a building where you 'enter'. At this stage, don't worry about the complex trade meanings. Just remember that if you see this sign, it's where you go in. It is often paired with '出口' (chūkǒu), which means 'exit'. If you are looking for the way into a supermarket or a station, look for these characters. You might also hear it when someone is talking about 'imported' snacks, which are very popular in China. For an A1 student, just recognizing the characters and knowing they relate to 'entering' is a great start. You can practice by labeling the doors in your house with '进口' and '出口'.

At the A2 level, you should begin to understand '进口' as an adjective meaning 'imported'. You will see this frequently in supermarkets. For example, '进口水果' (imported fruit) or '进口牛奶' (imported milk). You should also be able to form simple sentences using it as a noun for an entrance. For instance, '进口在哪里？' (Where is the entrance?). You are now learning that Chinese words often have multiple meanings based on context. In a store, it's a product category; on a road, it's a direction. You should also be able to distinguish it from '出口' (export/exit). A key phrase to learn at this level is '进口货' (imported goods), which is very common in daily life. Start noticing how '进口' is used on product packaging to indicate the country of origin. This will help you build your vocabulary for shopping and daily errands.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '进口' in more formal and varied contexts, particularly regarding trade and business. You should be comfortable using the '从...进口...' pattern (import from...). For example, '中国从巴西进口大豆' (China imports soybeans from Brazil). You should also understand its role in the economy, such as '进口额' (import value) and '进口关税' (import tariffs). At this level, you need to distinguish between '进口' and '入口' (entrance). While both can mean entrance, '进口' is more specific to trade or large-scale entry points like highway ramps. You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of imported goods versus domestic goods ('国产货' - guóchǎnhuò). This involves using more complex grammar to express opinions on quality, price, and global trade. You should also be familiar with the 'China International Import Expo' as a cultural and economic event.

At the B2 level, your understanding of '进口' should extend to its use in economic policy and industry-specific discussions. You should be able to understand news reports about '进口替代' (import substitution) or '扩大进口' (expanding imports) as a national strategy. You should also be able to use the word in formal writing, such as business proposals or academic essays about globalization. At this stage, you should understand the nuance of using '进口' versus '引进'. For example, you '进口' commodities but '引进' technology or management systems. You should also be aware of the social status associated with '进口' products in China and how this affects marketing and consumer behavior. Your ability to use collocations like '进口许可证' (import license) or '进口配额' (import quota) will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in business Chinese. You should also be able to debate the impact of imports on local industries.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '进口' and its related technical terminology. You should be able to analyze complex economic texts that discuss '进口依存度' (import dependency) or the '进口对通胀的影响' (the impact of imports on inflation). You should also be sensitive to the stylistic choices between '进口' and more literary or specific terms like '舶来品' (imported goods/foreign items - often used in a cultural or historical context). You should be able to use '进口' metaphorically if the context allows, though it remains primarily a technical and physical term. Your understanding of the word should include its legal implications in contracts and international trade law. You should also be able to explain the subtle differences in usage between Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where '入口' might sometimes be preferred for 'import' in certain Cantonese-influenced contexts.

At the C2 level, you should be able to use '进口' with the precision of a native speaker in any professional or academic setting. This includes understanding the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to China's 'Opening Up' policy. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of a nation's '进口' (what it chooses to let in) versus its '出口' (what it projects to the world). Your vocabulary should include highly specialized terms like '平行进口' (parallel import) and you should be able to navigate the complexities of international trade disputes involving these concepts. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to frame complex arguments about global supply chains, economic sovereignty, and cultural exchange. You should also be able to identify and use rare or archaic synonyms in literary contexts if they appear, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of the Chinese linguistic heritage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

进口 in 30 Seconds

进口 (jìnkǒu) primarily means 'to import' goods or a physical 'entrance'.
It is a B1 level word essential for business, shopping, and navigation.
The opposite is 出口 (chūkǒu), which means 'to export' or an 'exit'.
Grammatically, it functions as a verb, noun, or an attributive adjective.

The Chinese term 进口 (jìnkǒu) is a versatile and essential word that every intermediate learner must master. At its most fundamental level, it functions as a compound of 进 (jìn - to enter) and 口 (kǒu - mouth or opening). This literal combination gives rise to its two primary meanings: the act of importing goods from abroad and a physical entrance to a space. When used in a commercial or economic context, 进口 refers to the process where a country or business brings in products, services, or raw materials from a foreign source. This is a cornerstone of global trade discussions. In daily life, however, you will frequently see it on signage indicating where you should enter a building, a parking lot, or a highway. Understanding the distinction between these two uses is vital for both reading comprehension and navigational skills in a Chinese-speaking environment.

Economic Usage: Refers to the importation of foreign goods. For example, '进口汽车' (imported cars) or '进口量' (import volume). It is the direct antonym of 出口 (chūkǒu), which means to export.

中国每年从巴西进口大量的铁矿石。

Translation: China imports a large amount of iron ore from Brazil every year.

Physical Usage: Refers to an entrance or entry point. While '入口' (rùkǒu) is more common for generic doors, '进口' is frequently used for vehicular entrances, subway entry points, or specific architectural 'mouths'.

隧道的进口就在前方五百米处。

Translation: The entrance to the tunnel is just 500 meters ahead.

Historically, the term evolved as China opened its borders to international trade. The '口' (mouth) refers to the ports or 'treaty ports' where goods first entered the Middle Kingdom. Today, the word permeates everything from high-level economic reports to the simple stickers found on a box of cherries in a Shanghai supermarket. It is a word that bridges the gap between the macro-scale of global logistics and the micro-scale of walking through a doorway.

Using 进口 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. It can function as a verb, a noun, and an attributive adjective. Each role has specific sentence patterns that you must learn to sound natural. When acting as a verb, it often follows the pattern '从 [Location] 进口 [Object]'. This indicates the source of the goods. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence, often referring to the total volume of imports or the physical location of an entrance. As an adjective, it directly precedes the noun it modifies, such as '进口食品' (imported food).

Verb Pattern: From [Source] Import [Good]: Structure: 主语 + 从 + 地方 + 进口 + 东西. This is the most common way to describe trade relationships.

我们公司计划从德国进口一批先进的机械设备。

Adjective Pattern: Imported [Noun]: When 进口 is placed before a noun, it functions as a modifier. Note that you usually do not need the particle '的' after 进口 in these fixed phrases.

这家超市专门销售各种进口零食和饮料。

In more advanced contexts, you might see 进口 combined with other characters to form complex terms. For instance, 进口额 (jìnkǒu é) refers to the 'import value' or 'import volume' in monetary terms. In a sentence: '去年的进口额增长了百分之十' (The import value increased by ten percent last year). When discussing the physical location, you might say '请在进口处排队' (Please line up at the entrance). This use of '处' (chù - place) helps clarify that you are talking about a physical spot rather than the act of importing goods.

You will encounter 进口 in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the highly professional. In a commercial setting, such as a high-end shopping mall or a specialized supermarket (like Olé or CityShop in China), you will see '进口区' (Imported Goods Section) signs. These sections are popular among expatriates and middle-class locals looking for foreign brands. On the news, particularly during economic broadcasts on CCTV-2, the word 进口 is used incessantly to discuss trade balances, tariffs (关税 - guānshuì), and international relations. If you are driving in China, your GPS or road signs will frequently use 进口 to direct you into tunnels, highways (高速进口), or parking lots.

Scenario: At the Supermarket: Shopping for groceries, you might ask: '这些苹果是国产的还是进口的？' (Are these apples domestic or imported?)

由于关税降低，进口化妆品的价格变得更加亲民了。

Scenario: Logistics and Business: In a business meeting: '我们需要优化进口流程以减少运输时间。' (We need to optimize the import process to reduce transit time.)

Furthermore, in the context of the 'China International Import Expo' (CIIE - 中国国际进口博览会), the word takes on a prestigious national significance. This annual event in Shanghai highlights China's commitment to buying foreign goods, and the term 进口 is plastered across all media outlets during this time. Understanding this word helps you navigate both the physical landscape of a Chinese city and the conceptual landscape of its economy.

While 进口 seems straightforward, several common pitfalls can trip up learners. The most frequent error is the confusion between 进口 (jìnkǒu) and 入口 (rùkǒu). While both can mean 'entrance', they are not always interchangeable. 入口 is the general term for any entry point (like a door to a room), whereas 进口 is often reserved for larger, more formal entry points or specifically for trade. Another common mistake is using 进口 as a verb without the preposition '从' (from) when specifying the source. You cannot simply say '我们进口德国机械' without it sounding slightly clipped or informal; '从德国进口' is the standard grammatical structure.

Mistake 1: Confusing 进口 and 入口: Incorrect: 房间的进口在那里。 (The import of the room is there.)
Correct: 房间的入口在那里。 (The entrance of the room is there.)

不要把进口和出口弄混了，一个是买进来，一个是卖出去。

Mistake 2: Incorrect Word Order in Trade: Incorrect: 我们进口从美国大豆。 (We import from USA soybeans.)
Correct: 我们从美国进口大豆。 (We import soybeans from the USA.)

Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 进口 can be a noun meaning 'import volume' or 'import trade'. For example, saying '进口很大' (The import is very big) is ambiguous. It's better to say '进口量很大' (The import volume is very large) or '进口规模很大' (The scale of imports is very large). Precision in these collocations will elevate your Chinese from basic to professional. Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation of '口' (kǒu). It is a third tone, which can sometimes be swallowed in fast speech, making it sound like 'jìn kōu' or 'jìn gǒu'—ensure the dip in tone is clear to avoid confusion.

To truly master 进口, you must understand its relationship with similar terms. The most important comparison is with 入口 (rùkǒu). While both mean 'entrance', 入口 is the most general and widely used term for any place you enter. 进口, when used for an entrance, often carries a connotation of a larger flow, such as cars or large groups of people. Another related term is 引进 (yǐnjìn), which means 'to introduce' or 'to bring in', but usually refers to technology, talent, or abstract concepts rather than physical commodities. For example, you '引进人才' (bring in talent) but '进口大豆' (import soybeans).

进口 vs. 入口: Use 入口 for doors and general entries. Use 进口 for highway ramps, tunnels, or when discussing the trade of goods. Note: 入口 can also mean 'to enter the mouth' (to eat), whereas 进口 in a trade context is much more common.

虽然这两个词都表示“进入”，但进口更多用于贸易领域。

进口 vs. 引进: Use 进口 for physical goods (cars, food). Use 引进 for abstract things like '引进外资' (introduce foreign investment) or '引进先进技术' (introduce advanced technology).

Other alternatives include 购入 (gòurù), which simply means 'to purchase' and can be used for both domestic and foreign goods, though it lacks the specific 'cross-border' nuance of 进口. There is also 输入 (shūrù), which is used for data input in computing or the 'input' of energy/resources in a scientific context. By choosing the right word among these synonyms, you demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of Chinese semantics and register.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '口' often referred to mountain passes or ports. Thus, '进口' literally meant entering the country through these specific strategic 'mouths'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒɪn.koʊ/

US /dʒɪn.koʊ/

The stress is balanced, but the 4th tone on 'jìn' makes it sound more forceful.

Rhymes With

门口 (ménkǒu) 借口 (jièkǒu) 港口 (gǎngkǒu) 胃口 (wèikǒu) 伤口 (shāngkǒu) 胸口 (xiōngkǒu) 口口 (kǒukǒu) 关口 (guānkǒu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kǒu' as a 1st tone (flat) instead of 3rd tone.
Confusing the 'j' sound with 'zh'.
Swapping the tones: pronouncing it as 'jǐn kòu'.
Confusing 'kǒu' (mouth) with 'guó' (country).
Not dipping low enough on the 3rd tone of 'kǒu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are basic, but meanings vary by context.

Writing 4/5

Writing '进' and '口' is easy, but using them in formal trade contexts requires care.

Speaking 3/5

Tone distinction between 'jìn' and 'kǒu' is important.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

进出口门买

Learn Next

出口贸易关税海关外汇

Advanced

逆差顺差配额倾销反补贴

Grammar to Know

The '从...到...' structure with 进口.

从国外进口到中国。

Using '的' with 进口 as an adjective.

这是进口的巧克力。

Compound nouns with 进口.

进口额、进口量。

Prepositional phrases with 处.

在进口处集合。

Verb-Object structures.

扩大进口、限制进口。

Examples by Level

这里的进口在哪里？

Where is the entrance here?

进口 is used here as a noun meaning entrance.

我看看到出口和进口。

I see the exit and the entrance.

A1 level pairing of opposites.

这是进口的水果。

These are imported fruits.

进口 acts as an adjective modifying 'fruits'.

超市的进口很大。

The supermarket's entrance is very big.

Simple Subject-Adjective structure.

请走这个进口。

Please go through this entrance.

Using 进口 as a destination of the verb 走.

进口在那边。

The entrance is over there.

Basic locational sentence.

我不买进口的东西。

I don't buy imported things.

Negation with '不'.

进口的车很贵。

Imported cars are very expensive.

进口 modifying the noun 'car'.

这种咖啡是进口的吗？

Is this coffee imported?

Using '...是...的' structure for emphasis.

我们要找停车场的进口。

We need to find the entrance to the parking lot.

Possessive structure '停车场的进口'.

进口零食很受年轻人欢迎。

Imported snacks are very popular among young people.

进口 as an adjective in a descriptive sentence.

他在进口公司工作。

He works in an import company.

进口 modifying 'company'.

这个进口只准行人通过。

This entrance only allows pedestrians to pass.

Using '只准' (only allow).

我喜欢吃进口的巧克力。

I like eating imported chocolate.

Object of the verb '吃'.

地铁的进口就在书店旁边。

The subway entrance is right next to the bookstore.

Locational relationship '在...旁边'.

这些书是从英国进口的。

These books are imported from the UK.

Intro to the '从...进口' pattern.

中国从巴西进口大量的铁矿石。

China imports a large amount of iron ore from Brazil.

Classic '从 (Location) 进口 (Object)' pattern.

由于关税降低，进口汽车的价格下降了。

Due to lower tariffs, the price of imported cars has dropped.

Using '由于' to show cause and effect.

为了保护本地产业，政府限制了进口。

To protect local industries, the government restricted imports.

进口 used as a noun meaning 'the act of importing'.

请在高速公路的进口处减速。

Please slow down at the entrance of the highway.

Using '进口处' to specify a physical location.

这家超市的进口商品种类非常丰富。

This supermarket has a very rich variety of imported goods.

进口 used as an attributive adjective.

我们公司的主要业务是进口贸易。

Our company's main business is import trade.

进口 modifying 'trade'.

进口额的增长反映了国内需求的增加。

The growth in import volume reflects the increase in domestic demand.

进口额 (import value) as a compound noun.

如果进口手续太复杂，会影响交货时间。

If the import procedures are too complex, it will affect delivery time.

进口 modifying 'procedures' (手续).

政府决定扩大对先进技术设备的进口。

The government decided to expand the import of advanced technical equipment.

Formal use of '扩大...的进口'.

进口替代战略对早期工业化至关重要。

Import substitution strategy is crucial for early industrialization.

Technical term: 进口替代 (import substitution).

我们需要评估进口产品的市场竞争力。

We need to evaluate the market competitiveness of imported products.

Formal business Chinese.

进口许可证的申请过程非常繁琐。

The application process for an import license is very cumbersome.

Compound noun: 进口许可证 (import license).

这种原材料主要依赖进口。

This raw material mainly relies on imports.

Verb phrase: 依赖进口 (rely on imports).

我们要考虑汇率变动对进口成本的影响。

We must consider the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on import costs.

Import costs: 进口成本.

平行进口汽车在价格上有一定优势。

Parallel import cars have a certain advantage in price.

Specialized term: 平行进口 (parallel import).

该地区的进口依存度已经超过了安全警戒线。

The region's import dependency has exceeded the safety warning line.

Academic term: 进口依存度 (import dependency).

进口通胀是当前经济面临的一大挑战。

Imported inflation is a major challenge facing the current economy.

Economic concept: 进口通胀 (imported inflation).

尽管进口规模在缩小，但质量有所提升。

Although the scale of imports is shrinking, the quality has improved.

Contrastive structure using '尽管...但...'.

我们要辩证地看待进口对民族工业的影响。

We must view the impact of imports on national industry dialectically.

Sophisticated adverb: 辩证地 (dialectically).

进口配额的分配应当遵循公平透明的原则。

The allocation of import quotas should follow the principles of fairness and transparency.

Legal/Policy language.

该政策旨在通过优化进口结构来促进消费升级。

The policy aims to promote consumption upgrading by optimizing the import structure.

Formal policy objective phrasing.

进口博览会为各国企业进入中国市场提供了机遇。

The Import Expo provides opportunities for enterprises from all countries to enter the Chinese market.

Discussing a major national event.

我们必须警惕过度依赖进口可能带来的安全风险。

We must be vigilant against the security risks that over-reliance on imports may bring.

Strategic/Political context.

这些舶来品在当地文化中逐渐演变成了独特的符号。

These imported items gradually evolved into unique symbols in the local culture.

Using the literary synonym '舶来品'.

进口与出口的失衡往往会导致宏观经济的动荡。

The imbalance between imports and exports often leads to macroeconomic instability.

Macroeconomic analysis.

在全球化背景下，进口已不仅仅是简单的贸易行为。

In the context of globalization, importing is no longer just a simple trade act.

Philosophical/Analytical tone.

政府通过调节进口关税来实施宏观调控。

The government implements macro-control by adjusting import tariffs.

High-level administrative terminology.

进口商品的文化渗透力往往超过了其物质价值本身。

The cultural penetration of imported goods often exceeds their physical value itself.

Sociological observation.

我们要审慎评估进口限制措施可能引发的贸易摩擦。

We must carefully evaluate the trade frictions that import restrictive measures may trigger.

Diplomatic/Legal phrasing.

进口结构的转型升级是中国经济高质量发展的必然要求。

The transformation and upgrading of the import structure is an inevitable requirement for the high-quality development of China's economy.

State media/Academic style.

在某些领域，核心技术的进口替代依然任重道远。

In certain fields, the import substitution of core technologies still has a long way to go.

Using the idiom '任重道远' (a long way to go).

进口博弈的背后是国家间综合实力的较量。

Behind the import game is the contest of comprehensive national strength between countries.

Strategic analysis.

Synonyms

输入购进入口门脸

Antonyms

出口外销输出

Common Collocations

进口商品

进口汽车

进口额

进口处

从...进口

进口关税

进口水果

进口许可证

扩大进口

平行进口

Common Phrases

进口货

— Slang/Informal term for imported goods, often implying quality.

这可是地道的进口货。

进口总额

— Total value of imports over a period.

我国进口总额创历史新高。

进口依存度

— The degree to which an economy relies on imports.

石油的进口依存度很高。

高速进口

— Highway entrance ramp.

错过了这个高速进口就要绕路了。

地道进口

— Authentically imported.

这是地道进口的法国红酒。

进口替代

— Economic policy of replacing imports with local products.

进口替代是该国的发展策略。

全进口

— Entirely imported (no local parts).

这台机器是全进口的。

进口博览会

— Import Expo.

去参加进口博览会能看到很多新品。

进口限制

— Restrictions placed on importing certain goods.

由于进口限制，这种药很难买到。

进口环节

— The stages or steps involved in importing.

进口环节的税收比较复杂。

Often Confused With

进口 vs 入口

General entrance vs. trade/large entrance.

进口 vs 输入

Data input vs. physical goods import.

进口 vs 引进

Introducing ideas/tech vs. buying commodities.

Idioms & Expressions

"进口成灾"

— When excessive imports damage the local economy.

如果不加限制，廉价农产品会进口成灾。

Formal/Journalistic

"大进大出"

— Importing and exporting in large quantities.

沿海地区的经济模式是大进大出。

Economic

"洋为中用"

— Make foreign things serve China (relevant to the spirit of importing).

我们要坚持洋为中用的原则。

Literary

"闭关锁国"

— Closing the country to international trade (antonym concept).

我们要吸取闭关锁国的教训。

Historical

"互通有无"

— Exchange what one has for what one needs (the basis of import/export).

两国通过贸易互通有无。

Formal

"外引内联"

— Introduce from outside and connect within.

外引内联是特区发展的方针。

Political

"舍近求远"

— Seeking from afar while ignoring what is near (sometimes used to criticize imports).

本地有同样的资源，何必舍近求远去进口？

Idiomatic

"物美价廉"

— Good quality and cheap (often contrasted with expensive imports).

国产货现在也做到了物美价廉。

Common

"货真价实"

— Genuine goods at a fair price.

这批进口表绝对货真价实。

Common

"博采众长"

— Draw on the strengths of others (importing ideas/tech).

进口先进设备是为了博采众长。

Literary

Easily Confused

进口 vs 入口

Both mean entrance.

入口 is for any door; 进口 is for trade or vehicular entries.

走进大楼的入口。

进口 vs 引进

Both involve bringing things in.

引进 is for talent or tech; 进口 is for goods.

引进外资。

进口 vs 购入

Both mean buying.

购入 is generic; 进口 specifies from abroad.

购入一批电脑。

进口 vs 输入

Both mean 'putting in'.

输入 is for data/energy; 进口 is for trade.

输入密码。

进口 vs 进入

Both imply entering.

进入 is a general verb; 进口 is a specific noun/verb for trade/entry points.

进入房间。

Sentence Patterns

这是进口的 [Noun]。

这是进口的糖果。

[Place] 的进口在哪里？

图书馆的进口在哪里？

[Subject] 从 [Country] 进口 [Product]。

我们从法国进口红酒。

由于 [Reason]，进口 [Product] 涨价了。

由于运费增加，进口水果涨价了。

政府决定 [Action] 进口。

政府决定限制电子产品进口。

[Noun] 严重依赖进口。

我国的石油严重依赖进口。

优化 [Noun] 结构。

优化进口商品结构。

[Abstract Concept] 的进口替代。

核心零部件的进口替代。

Word Family

Nouns

进口额

进口商

进口货

进口处

Verbs

进口

入

进

Adjectives

进口的

外来的

出口

贸易

海关

关税

物流

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both daily and professional Chinese.

Common Mistakes

房间的进口 → 房间的入口
进口 is usually too formal/large for a simple room door.
进口从美国 → 从美国进口
The prepositional phrase '从美国' must come before the verb.
进口技术 → 引进技术
Technology is introduced (引进), not strictly imported like a physical good.
进口量很贵 → 进口货很贵
You can't say a 'volume' is expensive; you mean the 'goods' are expensive.
他在做进口 → 他在做进口贸易
Adding '贸易' makes it clear that he is in the import business.

Tips

Preposition Use

Always use '从' when specifying the country you are importing from. Example: 从日本进口.

Entrance vs. Import

If you see a sign on a road, it's an entrance. If you see it on a label, it's imported.

The 'Import' Brand

Many Chinese brands use '进口' in their marketing to justify a higher price point.

Compound Recognition

Look for 额 (amount) or 税 (tax) after 进口 to identify economic contexts.

Tone Accuracy

Don't forget the 3rd tone dip on 'kǒu'; otherwise, it might sound like 'jìn kōu' (enter a button).

No '的' needed

In phrases like 进口汽车, you don't need '的' between 进口 and the noun.

Formal Terms

Use 进口商 (jìnkǒushāng) to refer to an importer or import company.

Check the Opposites

If the context has 出口 (exit), then 进口 means entrance. If it has 国产 (domestic), then 进口 means imported.

News keywords

In news, 进口 is often followed by numbers or percentages.

Visual Cues

Associate 进口 with a barcode and a cargo ship for better memory retention.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a giant 'Mouth' (口) that 'Enters' (进) goods into the country. You are feeding the country with foreign products.

Visual Association

Imagine a cargo ship sailing into a giant open mouth shaped like a harbor.

Word Web

Trade Entrance Exit Customs Foreign Goods Port Market

Challenge

Try to find three items in your house that are '进口' and say their country of origin in Chinese using the '从...进口' pattern.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of two ancient Chinese characters. '进' (jìn) dates back to the bronze inscriptions, representing a foot moving forward. '口' (kǒu) is a pictograph of a mouth or opening.

Original meaning: To enter an opening or mouth.

Sino-Tibetan / Chinese

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing imports can sometimes touch on sensitive trade war or nationalistic topics.

English speakers might find it odd that one word covers both 'import' and 'entrance', but context usually makes it clear.

China International Import Expo (CIIE) CCTV Economic News Shanghai Free Trade Zone

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

进口水果
进口区
这是进口的吗？
进口货

Driving

高速进口
停车场进口
隧道进口
进口处

Business

从德国进口
进口贸易
进口合同
进口额

News

扩大进口
进口关税
进口博览会
进口限制

Logistics

进口报关
进口流程
进口许可证
进口单据

Conversation Starters

"你平时喜欢买进口的水果还是国产的？"

"你知道这个商场的进口在哪里吗？"

"你觉得进口汽车的质量真的比国产的好吗？"

"最近进口关税是不是又调整了？"

"你们公司主要从哪些国家进口原材料？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对进口商品和国产商品在质量和价格上的看法。

描述一次你在大城市寻找地铁进口的经历。

如果一个国家完全停止进口，你认为会发生什么？

谈谈你最喜欢的进口零食，为什么喜欢它？

分析一下为什么中国要举办国际进口博览会。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. Use 入口 or 门口 for a house door. 进口 sounds too industrial or commercial.

Not necessarily, but there is a strong cultural perception that it is, especially for food and luxury items.

Use 进口 for things you can touch (cars, fruit). Use 引进 for things you can't touch (technology, management systems).

It is 进口关税 (jìnkǒu guānshuì).

Yes, e.g., '我们进口大豆' (We import soybeans).

It is 平行进口, referring to goods imported without the trademark owner's permission through non-official channels.

Yes, but they also use 入口 frequently for both trade and entrances.

The opposite is 出口 (chūkǒu - export/exit).

Ask '这是进口的吗？' (Zhè shì jìnkǒu de ma?).

No, it's a common term, though slightly informal.