税金（ぜいきん、zeikin）
- tax

The Japanese word 税金 (zei-kin) means "tax" or "taxes." It refers to the money that people and businesses are required to pay to the government. This money is used to fund public services and infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, roads, and defense. The term encompasses various types of taxes, including income tax, consumption tax (sales tax), property tax, and more. Essentially, 税金 represents a compulsory contribution to the state.

⚫︎所得税金 Translation: Income tax ⚫︎消費税金 Translation: Consumption tax (sales tax) ⚫︎固定資産税金 Translation: Property tax

You use 税金 in contexts related to governmental finance. This word is appropriate when discussing financial obligations to the government, tax rates, tax refunds, or government spending. You would use it in formal and informal situations. It can be used as a standalone word or combined with other words to specify a particular type of tax.

税金 is written using the kanji 税 (zei) meaning "tax" or "duty," and the kanji 金 (kin) meaning "money." The reading is ぜいきん (zei-kin) in hiragana. There is no other commonly accepted way to write this word. The okurigana is standard.

⚫︎ The word 税 (zei) on its own can sometimes be used, although it is less common and more general.

⚫︎There aren't direct antonyms for 税金. However, words or concepts that might be considered opposing could include: ⚫︎免除 (menjo) - exemption ⚫︎減税 (genzei) - tax reduction

日本国民は税金を納める義務がある。 ・Translation: Japanese citizens have a duty to pay taxes. ・Explanation: This sentence explains that paying taxes is a legal obligation in Japan.

来年の税金はどれくらいになるか心配です。 ・Translation: I am worried about how much my taxes will be next year. ・Explanation: This sentence expresses concern about the amount of taxes that will need to be paid.

The word 税金 is a compound word. 税 (zei) comes from the Chinese character meaning "tax" or "duty," and 金 (kin) is from the Chinese character meaning "money." The combination of the two characters reflects the concept of money being paid as a tax.