税

• Reading: ぜい
• Romaji: zei
• Kanji breakdown: 税 (zei) — tax, duty
• Pronunciation: /ze.i/

Meaning

Tax; a compulsory payment levied by the government.

A noun and suffix used in many compound words related to taxation: 消費税 (consumption tax), 所得税 (income tax), 税金 (tax/taxes), 税込み (tax included), 税抜き (before tax). Essential vocabulary for daily life in Japan where the consumption tax applies to most purchases.

Examples

1. この値段は税込みですか。 Does this price include tax?
2. 来年から税が上がるらしい。 I heard taxes are going up next year.
3. 消費税は現在十パーセントです。 The consumption tax is currently ten percent.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, economics, government

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 税 combines 禾 (grain) and 兌 (to exchange). In ancient times, taxes were paid in grain, so the character literally depicts grain given as payment to authorities.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal