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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
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
Spot the Difference
Which character 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
Fill in the Blank
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。
xiàn zài fū qī shuāng fāng fēn bié àn gè zì de shōu rù nà shuì。
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“ “ lǜ sè shuì” shōu ” dé lái de shōu rù biàn kě huí guò tóu lái yòng yú tí gāo。
Revenues from "green taxes" could then be channelled back into energy efficiency.
Two other executives appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court charged with tax fraud.
Cultural Notes for 税
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 税
Words Containing This Character20
税shuìtaxes稅
税收shuìshōutaxation稅收
税务shuìwùtaxation services稅務
纳税nàshuìto pay taxes納稅
纳税人nàshuìréntaxpayer納稅人
免税tax free免稅
关税guānshuìtariff關稅
税款tax payments稅款
所得税income tax所得稅
缴税to pay tax繳稅
逃税to evade a tax逃稅
退税tax rebate or refund退稅
增值税value-added tax (VAT)增值稅
税务局Tax Bureau稅務局
征税to levy taxes徵稅
减税tax cut減稅
税法tax code稅法
营业税tax on turnover營業稅
偷税tax evasion偷稅
漏税tax evasion漏稅
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 税 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 税
Common types of taxes include income tax (个人所得税), value-added tax (增值税), and corporate tax (企业所得税).
You can say, '我需要交税' (Wǒ xūyào jiāo shuì), which means 'I need to pay taxes.'
No, 税 is a noun that doesn't change form for plural usage in Chinese.
