税金
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この値段は税金を含んでいますか?
Does this price include tax?
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.
最近、税金が高くなって大変だよ。
Taxes have become high lately, it's tough.
Word Family
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
この値段は税金を含んでいますか?
everydayDoes this price include tax?
国民は法律に従って税金を納める義務があります。
formalCitizens have an obligation to pay taxes according to the law.
最近、税金が高くなって大変だよ。
informalTaxes have become high lately, it's tough.
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。
academicTaxes are an indispensable financial resource for maintaining the social security system.
来月の決算までに税金の計算を終わらせてください。
businessPlease finish the tax calculations by next month's financial closing.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
Ryōkin is a fee paid for a specific service (like electricity or a bus ride), whereas Zeikin is a mandatory payment to the government.
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
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 Vocabulary
Related Words
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平日
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