免税

めんぜい

tax exemption

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"免税" (めんぜい) means "tax exemption" or "duty-free." It is commonly used in contexts involving shopping, especially for travelers who can buy goods without paying local taxes.

Common Contexts

You will often see "免税" in stores, airports, and customs where tax exemption applies. It is important for travelers to understand the procedures to claim tax exemption, often called "免税手続き."

Collocations and Patterns

  • 免税店 (めんぜいてん): duty-free shop, a store where tax exemption applies.
  • 免税品 (めんぜいひん): duty-free goods, products sold without tax.
  • 免税手続き (めんぜいてつづき): tax exemption procedures, necessary paperwork to claim exemption.

Register and Usage Notes

"免税" is a formal term used in official and commercial contexts. It is not used in casual conversation unless discussing shopping or travel.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "免税" with "節税" (せつぜい, tax saving) or "脱税" (だつぜい, tax evasion). Remember, "免税" means legally exempt from tax, not avoiding or evading tax illegally.

Example Sentences

このみせではめんぜいでかいものができます。

You can shop tax-free at this store.

めんぜいてつづきをわすれずにしてください。

Please don't forget the tax exemption procedures.

かいがいりょこうしゃはくうこうでめんぜいひんをこうにゅうできます。

Overseas travelers can purchase duty-free goods at the airport.