Translation and Meaning of: 税関 - zeikan

If you have already traveled to Japan or are planning to take a trip soon, you may have come across the word 税関[ぜいかん]. But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and use of this word in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see how it appears in official contexts and why it is important to know it, especially for those learning the language.

The word 税関 is composed of two kanji: 税 (tax, duty) and 関 (barrier, checkpoint). Together, they form an essential term for anyone dealing with international travel or foreign trade. Here, you will understand not only the literal translation but also how this word is perceived culturally in Japan. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 税関

Customs [ぜいかん] means "customs." It is the place where authorities inspect goods and luggage entering or leaving the country. In Japan, international airports, such as Narita and Haneda, have specific areas for customs, where passengers must declare items subject to taxation or prohibited items.

The term is widely used in official notices, forms, and signs at airports and ports. For example, upon arriving in Japan, you will see signs such as 税関検査 (customs inspection) or 税関申告書 (customs declaration form). Knowing how to recognize this word can greatly ease your passage through customs.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 税関 has a quite direct origin. The kanji 税 (zei) refers to taxes or duties, while 関 (kan) indicates a checkpoint or barrier. Together, they represent a place where taxes are levied on goods that cross the country’s borders.

It is worth noting that 税関 is a common word in Japanese administrative vocabulary, just like in other languages. The structure of the kanji follows a clear semantic logic, which aids in memorization. If you already know the radicals 禾 (rice ear, associated with "tax") and 門 (gate, related to "control"), it becomes easier to understand the composition.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 税関 is to associate it with practical situations. If you have ever gone through customs, remember that the process involves paying fees (税) and going through a control (関). This mental association can help solidify the term.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. When traveling, pay attention to the signs in airports or watch videos that show the customs inspection process in Japan. Hearing the pronunciation "zeikan" in real contexts also reinforces learning. Over time, the word will become natural in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 関税局 (Kanzeikyoku) - Customs Office
• 税関庁 (Zeikancho) - Customs Authority
• 税関署 (Zeikansho) - Customs Agency
• 税関事務所 (Zeikanjimusho) - Customs Office

税関

Romaji: zeikan
Kana: ぜいかん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: customs

Meaning in English: customs house

Definition: An organization that charges customs duties on imported and exported products based on the laws of a country or region.