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March 24, 2026
水货(水貨)shuǐhuò(shui3huo4)
水货 (shui3 huo4) refers to smuggled or unauthorized goods, often indicating products that are imported illegally without customs regulations. This term is commonly used in discussions about consumer goods, electronics, and luxury items that are brought into a country without proper declaration or taxation.
Frequency#57211DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, the market for 水货 is significant, especially for luxury brands, due to high tariffs and taxes on imported goods. This practice reflects broader social attitudes towards brand authenticity and consumer behavior in the face of regulations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a river (水) overflowing with goods (货) that are sneaking past the border illegally. The water represents the flow of smuggled items, making it easier to remember that 水货 means smuggled goods.
Meanings of 水货
shuǐhuò(shui3huo4)
1smuggled goods
2unauthorized goods
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About 水货
水货Simplified
水貨Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 水货
Podcast: 水货
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AI Study Notes for 水货
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a river (水) overflowing with goods (货) that are sneaking past the border illegally. The water represents the flow of smuggled items, making it easier to remember that 水货 means smuggled goods.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious with the tone pronunciation, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning. This term is informal and typically used in conversations about shopping and market practices. Common collocations include '水货手机' (smuggled phones) and '水货市场' (smuggled goods market).
HSK Study Tips
Although 水货 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at HSK Level 3 or higher, especially when discussing shopping and consumer culture. Focus on understanding the context in which this term is used, particularly in urban settings.
Cultural Note
In China, the market for 水货 is significant, especially for luxury brands, due to high tariffs and taxes on imported goods. This practice reflects broader social attitudes towards brand authenticity and consumer behavior in the face of regulations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 水货 with 正品 (zheng4 pin3), which means authentic goods. For instance, saying '我买了水货的手机' (I bought an authentic phone) is incorrect; it should be '我买了水货的手机' (I bought a smuggled phone).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 水货
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Cultural Notes for 水货
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the market for 水货 is significant, especially for luxury brands, due to high tariffs and taxes on imported goods. This practice reflects broader social attitudes towards brand authenticity and consumer behavior in the face of regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 水货
Yes, 水货 refers specifically to goods that are smuggled or imported without following legal customs regulations.
Yes, 水货 can include new items, particularly electronics and designer goods that are sold without proper importation procedures.
Look for items that are significantly cheaper than their legitimate counterparts and check for missing warranties or documentation.
