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关税 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
关税guānshuìcustoms dutyHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #31946, Very Hard
关税guānshuìtariffHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #31946, Very Hard
guānshuì(guan1shui4)guan shui T1
  1. 1customs duty
  2. 2tariff
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March 24, 2026

关税(關稅)guānshuì(guan1shui4)

关税 (guān shuì) refers to a tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders. It is commonly used in trade contexts and signifies a government's way of regulating the flow of goods and generating revenue. Understanding this term is essential for discussions regarding international trade policies and economic relations.

Strokes18Frequency#31946DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

关税 plays a significant role in China's economic policies, especially in relation to trade agreements with other countries. For instance, recent changes in tariffs have affected foreign businesses operating in China, highlighting the dynamic nature of international trade relations.

Memory tip

Think of 关 (guān) as a 'gate' that controls what comes in, and 税 (shuì) as 'tax.' Picture a customs officer at a gate collecting taxes on goods passing through. The sound 'guan' can remind you of 'going through a gate,' while 'shui' sounds like 'shoo-ee,' as if the officer shoo's away goods without payment.

Meanings of 关税

guānshuì(guan1shui4)
1customs duty
2tariff
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About 关税

关税Simplified
關稅Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 关税

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 关税 is typically used in formal contexts related to economics and trade, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '提高关税' (raise tariffs) and '征收关税' (impose customs duties). Ensure proper pronunciation with the correct tones: guān (first tone) and shuì (fourth tone).

HSK Study Tips

This term is not explicitly listed in HSK levels but is relevant for learners interested in business or trade vocabulary, often encountered in HSK 5 and above contexts. Students should focus on related vocabulary like 进口 (import) and 出口 (export) to build a broader understanding of trade.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 关税 with other types of taxes. For example, saying '我需要支付关税在我的收入' (I need to pay customs duty on my income) is incorrect; the correct term for income tax is 所得税 (suǒ dé shuì).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 关税

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Component characters

关guānto close
HSK 36 strokes丷
View full entry
税shuìtaxes
HSK 512 strokes禾
View full entry

How to say customs duty in Chinese

“customs duty” in Chinese is关税guānshuì

关税 (guān shuì) refers to a tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders. It is commonly used in trade contexts and signifies a government's way of regulating the flow of goods and generating revenue. Understanding this term is essential for discussions regarding international trade policies and economic relations.

When to use 关税

Be mindful that 关税 is typically used in formal contexts related to economics and trade, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '提高关税' (raise tariffs) and '征收关税' (impose customs duties). Ensure proper pronunciation with the correct tones: guān (first tone) and shuì (fourth tone).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 关税 with other types of taxes. For example, saying '我需要支付关税在我的收入' (I need to pay customs duty on my income) is incorrect; the correct term for income tax is 所得税 (suǒ dé shuì).

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税

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Cultural Notes for 关税

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, tariffs may be seen as protective measures for domestic industries, while in China, they are often part of broader economic strategies that can influence international relations significantly.

Frequently asked questions about 关税

关税 specifically refers to customs duties on imported and exported goods, whereas 税 is a general term for any kind of tax.

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