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税 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
税
shuì
taxes
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, radical 禾, rank #5290, Hard
税
shuì
duties
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, radical 禾, rank #5290, Hard
shuì(shui4)shui T4
1taxes
2duties
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March 24, 2026
税(稅)shuì(shui4)
The character 税 (shuì) refers to taxes or duties imposed by the government on income, goods, or services. It is commonly used in discussions about finance, economics, and government policies. Understanding this term is crucial for grasping the implications of taxation in Chinese society.
Strokes12Radical禾Frequency#5290DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In China, taxation plays a significant role in funding public services and infrastructure, reflecting the government's approach to economic growth and social welfare. Understanding 税 is vital for engaging with contemporary issues in Chinese society.
Memory tip
Imagine a large 'tax collector' standing under a big 'tree' (木) that represents wealth, with branches reaching out to collect 'taxes' (税). The character combines the radical for 'water' (氵) to signify the flow of money, and the character for 'tree' (木) to symbolize the growth of the economy.
Meanings of 税
shuì(shui4)
1taxes
2duties
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 税 means.
About 税
税Simplified
稅Traditional
12Strokes
禾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5290Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 税
Podcast: 税
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AI study notes for 税
Quick Contrast
税 (tax) vs 费 (fee) — use 税 when referring specifically to government-imposed taxes, while 费 is for charges or fees for services.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 税 with similar words like 费 (fèi), which means 'fees' or 'expenses.' This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in financial discussions. Common collocations include '个人所得税' (individual income tax) and '增值税' (value-added tax).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 税 connects with other financial and governmental vocabulary like 经济 (economy) and 政府 (government). Focus on using it in context, especially when discussing economic policies or personal finance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 税 with 费 (fèi); for example, saying '我有很多费' instead of '我有很多税' to mean 'I have many taxes.' Always use 税 specifically for taxes.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 税
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The character 税 (shuì) refers to taxes or duties imposed by the government on income, goods, or services. It is commonly used in discussions about finance, economics, and government policies. Understanding this term is crucial for grasping the implications of taxation in Chinese society.
When to use 税
Be careful not to confuse 税 with similar words like 费 (fèi), which means 'fees' or 'expenses.' This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in financial discussions. Common collocations include '个人所得税' (individual income tax) and '增值税' (value-added tax).
税 or something close to it
税 (tax) vs 费 (fee) — use 税 when referring specifically to government-imposed taxes, while 费 is for charges or fees for services.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 税 with 费 (fèi); for example, saying '我有很多费' instead of '我有很多税' to mean 'I have many taxes.' Always use 税 specifically for taxes.
Write 税
税
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Practice writing 税 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 税
税 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
现在夫妻双方分别按各自的收入纳____。
Husband and wife are now taxed separately on their incomes.
Common confusions with 税
税vs罪
zuì
Similar shape but different meaning and pronunciation.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “taxes”?
or
Usage Notes for 税
Misunderstanding Context of UsageCommon Error
Learners often confuse 税 with other financial terms. It's important to use it specifically in the context of taxes.
1
在中国，税收制度十分复杂。
In China, the tax system is very complex.
Exercise 1 of 1
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在中国，____收制度十分复杂。
In China, the tax system is very complex.
Example sentences for 税 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
现在夫妻双方分别按各自的收入纳税。
xiànzài fūqī shuāngfāng fēnbié àn gèzì de shōurù nàshuì。
Husband and wife are now taxed separately on their incomes.
2
从“绿色税收”得来的收入便可回过头来用于提高能效。
cóng“ lǜsè shuìshōu” de lái de shōurù biàn kě huí guòtóu lái yòngyú tígāo néng xiào。
Revenues from "green taxes" could then be channelled back into energy efficiency.
3
增加税收仍然是不可能的事吗？
zēngjiā shuìshōu réngrán shì bù kěnéng de shì ma？
Is a tax increase still out of the question?
4
从法律的角度来说，当地税务局的做法是无可厚非的。
cóng fǎlǜ de jiǎodù lái shuō， dāngdì shuìwù jú de zuòfǎ shì wúkěhòufēi de。
Legally, the local tax office is in the right.
5
税赋的增加为这个企业敲响了丧钟。
shuì fù de zēngjiā wèi zhège qǐyè qiāo xiǎng le sāng zhōng。
The tax increase sounded the death knell for the business.
