Meanings of 海关
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About 海关
Podcast: 海关
Podcast: 海关
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AI study notes for 海关
海关 (customs) vs 边境 (border) — use 海关 when referring specifically to the customs agency, not the general area of the border.
Learners often confuse 海关 with other terms related to borders, such as 边境 (biān jìng, border). It's typically used in formal contexts, especially when discussing travel or trade. Be careful not to confuse the tone of 海 (hǎi) with other similar-sounding words.
At HSK Level 5, learners are expected to understand terms related to travel and trade. Focus on how 海关 connects with other vocabulary regarding transportation and commerce, such as 货物 (huò wù, goods) and 报关 (bào guān, to declare customs).
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 海关 in casual situations, whereas it is more appropriate for formal contexts. For example, saying '我去海关' (I'm going to customs) can sound awkward unless specifying a reason, like '我去海关报关' (I'm going to customs to declare goods).
Pronunciation of 海关
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Component characters
How to say customs (i.e. border crossing inspection) in Chinese
“customs (i.e. border crossing inspection)” in Chinese is海关
海关 (hǎi guān) refers to customs, the government agency responsible for inspecting goods and people at border crossings. It plays a crucial role in regulating international trade and ensuring compliance with laws regarding imports and exports.
When to use 海关
Learners often confuse 海关 with other terms related to borders, such as 边境 (biān jìng, border). It's typically used in formal contexts, especially when discussing travel or trade. Be careful not to confuse the tone of 海 (hǎi) with other similar-sounding words.
海关 or something close to it
海关 (customs) vs 边境 (border) — use 海关 when referring specifically to the customs agency, not the general area of the border.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 海关 in casual situations, whereas it is more appropriate for formal contexts. For example, saying '我去海关' (I'm going to customs) can sound awkward unless specifying a reason, like '我去海关报关' (I'm going to customs to declare goods).
Write 海关
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Practice writing 海关 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 海关
海关 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
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____官员们对这种设备作出了一系列互相矛盾的陈述。
Customs officials have made a series of contradictory statements about the equipment.
Example sentences for 海关 (6)
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Frequently asked questions about 海关
You should declare items that exceed duty-free limits, such as large sums of money or certain goods like alcohol and tobacco.
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