A1 noun Neutral #2,527 most common

税金

zeikin /zeːkʲiɴ/

Money that people and businesses must pay to the government to fund public services and infrastructure. It is used generally to refer to any type of compulsory financial charge, such as consumption tax or income tax.

Examples

3 of 5
1

この値段は税金を含んでいますか?

Does this price include tax?

2

国民は法律に従って税金を納める義務があります。

Citizens have an obligation to pay taxes according to the law.

3

最近、税金が高くなって大変だよ。

Taxes have become high lately, it's tough.

Word Family

Noun
税金
Verb
課税する
Related
税務署
💡

Memory Tip

The first kanji 税 (zei) contains the radical for 'grain' (禾), reminding us that in ancient times, taxes were often paid in crops like rice.

Quick Quiz

日本では、買い物をすると10%の( )がかかります。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 税金

Examples

1

この値段は税金を含んでいますか?

everyday

Does this price include tax?

2

国民は法律に従って税金を納める義務があります。

formal

Citizens have an obligation to pay taxes according to the law.

3

最近、税金が高くなって大変だよ。

informal

Taxes have become high lately, it's tough.

4

税金は社会保障制度を維持するための不可欠な財源である。

academic

Taxes are an indispensable financial resource for maintaining the social security system.

5

来月の決算までに税金の計算を終わらせてください。

business

Please finish the tax calculations by next month's financial closing.

Word Family

Noun
税金
Verb
課税する
Related
税務署

Common Collocations

税金を払う to pay taxes
税金を納める to pay/render taxes (formal)
税金が上がる taxes go up
税金を計算する to calculate taxes
税金がかかる to be subject to tax

Common Phrases

税金泥棒

tax thief (used to describe wasteful spending or lazy public officials)

税込み

tax included

税抜き

tax excluded

Often Confused With

税金 vs 料金

Ryōkin is a fee paid for a specific service (like electricity or a bus ride), whereas Zeikin is a mandatory payment to the government.

税金 vs 会費

Kaihi is a membership fee for a club or organization, not a government tax.

📝

Usage Notes

Zeikin is the general word for tax. In casual conversation, people often just use the suffix '-zei' when referring to specific taxes, like 'shōhizei' (consumption tax).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'ryōkin' when they mean 'zeikin' because both involve paying for things, but 'zeikin' is strictly for government-related levies.

💡

Memory Tip

The first kanji 税 (zei) contains the radical for 'grain' (禾), reminding us that in ancient times, taxes were often paid in crops like rice.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Chinese word for 'tax' (税) and 'money' (金).

Grammar Patterns

Compound noun: [Type] + 税金 (e.g., 自動車税金 is rarely used, usually 自動車税) Object marker: 税金を + [Verb]
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan, the consumption tax (shōhizei) is a frequent topic of political debate and is currently set at 10% for most items.

Quick Quiz

日本では、買い物をすると10%の( )がかかります。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 税金

Related Words

初日

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The first day of a specific period or scheduled event, such as a festival, a play, a job, or a school term. It marks the opening or commencement of a duration rather than a calendar date.

終日

A1

Refers to the entire duration of a day from morning until night. It is a formal way to express that an action or state lasts all day long without interruption.

平日

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Heijitsu refers to weekdays, specifically Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays. It is used to describe regular working or school days in a standard week.

休日

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A noun referring to a day off, a holiday, or a non-working day. It signifies a period when one is exempt from work or school duties, often used in formal or official contexts.

祝日

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A public or national holiday designated by law when schools and most businesses are closed. It specifically refers to the official 'red days' on a Japanese calendar intended for national celebration or commemoration.

月末

A1

Getsumatsu refers to the end of the month, specifically the last day or the final few days. It is commonly used in business and daily life to discuss deadlines, payments, and schedules.

年末

A1

The end of the year, specifically referring to the final weeks or days of December. It is a period characterized by busy preparations, cleaning, and completing tasks before the New Year begins.

年始

A1

The beginning of the year, typically referring to the first few days of January. It is commonly used to discuss schedules, greetings, and traditional activities occurring at the start of the calendar year.

月初

A1

The beginning or the first few days of a month. It is commonly used in both daily life and business to refer to schedules, payments, or recurring events that happen at the start of a monthly cycle.

学年

A1

Refers to the academic year or a student's specific grade level within a school. It is commonly used to describe the period of study or to categorize students based on their progress through the educational system.

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