無税
muzei
The English phrase 'tax-free' can be translated into Japanese as 無税 (muzei). Wiktionary also lists 非課税の (hikazei no).
Meaning: exempt from taxation (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 無税 | muzei |
| 非課税の | hikazei no |
Japanese uses different terms for 'tax-free' depending on the specific context. 無税 (muzei) refers to 'no tax' or being tax-free. For technical or legal contexts regarding items or income that are exempt from tax, use 非課税.
Which one should you use?
While 無税 is often used for 'tax-free' goods or status, 非課税の is the more technical term used for items or income that are legally exempt from taxation. Additionally, in the context of shopping at airports or tourist areas, the term 免税 is more commonly used than 無税 to refer to 'duty-free' shopping.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 非課税の functions as a noun-modifying adjective because of the particle の (no), requiring it to be followed by a noun (e.g., 非課税の所得 – tax-exempt income).
How do you pronounce it?
muzei
Did you know?
- While 無税 and 非課税 describe the absence of tax, the term 免税 used in shops literally means 'escaping tax'. It implies that the tax exists but the buyer has been granted a special escape from paying it.
- To qualify for the 'tax-free' status of 免税 (menzei) at Japanese stores, you must typically present a physical passport to prove you are a non-resident.
- The term 非課税 is used for items that are completely outside the scope of tax law. This differs from other 'tax-free' terms where a tax technically applies but is waived for a specific reason.
Examples in context
- この商品は無税です。Kono shouhin wa muzei desu.This product is tax-free.
- 無税の輸入品を扱っています。Muzei no yunyuuhin o atsukatte imasu.We handle tax-free imports.
Example conversation
Hana and Ren are shopping at an electronics store.
- 陽葵 Himariこのカメラは無税ですか。kono kamera wa muzei desu ka.Is this camera tax-free?
- 蓮 Renはい、パスポートがあれば無税です。hai, pasupooto ga areba muzei desu.Yes, it is tax-free if you have a passport.
- 陽葵 Himariそうですか。じゃあ、これを買います。sou desu ka. jaa, kore o kaimasu.I see. Then I will buy this one.
- 蓮 Ren承知いたしました。shouchi itashimashita.Certainly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tax-free” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
