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March 24, 2026
进口(進口)jìnkǒu(jin4kou3)
进口 (jìnkǒu) refers to the act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad. It can also denote an entrance or a point of intake for elements like air or water. This term is commonly used in trade and economic discussions, highlighting the flow of international commerce.
Frequency#9306DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 进口 has gained prominence with the country's growing economy and participation in global trade. Major trade fairs and import expos are held annually, reflecting the importance of imported goods in Chinese consumer culture.
Memory Tip
Think of '进口' as a 'jin' (金) coin entering the 'kou' (口) mouth of a country, representing the idea of goods flowing in. Visualize a big mouth welcoming foreign products, enriching local markets.
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AI Study Notes for 进口
Quick Contrast
出口 (chūkǒu) refers to the act of sending goods or services out of a country, while 进口 (jìnkǒu) specifically denotes bringing them in.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '进口' as a 'jin' (金) coin entering the 'kou' (口) mouth of a country, representing the idea of goods flowing in. Visualize a big mouth welcoming foreign products, enriching local markets.
Usage Notes
When using 进口, be mindful of the context; it’s often used in formal economic discussions rather than casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with 出口 (chūkǒu), which means 'to export.' Remember the difference: 进口 is about bringing in, while 出口 is about sending out.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 进口 connects with other trade-related vocabulary such as 出口 (export) and 贸易 (trade). Students should focus on understanding its use in economic contexts and practice constructing sentences that involve trade scenarios.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 进口 has gained prominence with the country's growing economy and participation in global trade. Major trade fairs and import expos are held annually, reflecting the importance of imported goods in Chinese consumer culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 进口 with 进货 (jìnhuò), which means 'to restock goods.' An incorrect sentence would be '我去进口一些食物' (I’m going to import some food), which should be '我去进货一些食物' if referring to restocking.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 进口
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Grammar Patterns of 进口
进口 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
在英国，传统上有形产品的____一直大于出口。
In the UK visible imports have traditionally been greater than visible exports.
In the UK visible imports have traditionally been greater than visible exports.
2
我把手伸进口袋，掏出了那封信。
wǒ bǎ shǒu shēn jìn kǒu dài， ， tāo chū le nà fēng。
I put my hand into my pocket and pulled out the letter.
3
不诚实的进口商将会能够把从顾客那里收取的增值税据为己有。
bù chéng shí de jìn kǒu shāng jiāng huì néng gòu bǎ cóng gù kè nà lǐ shōu qǔ de zēng zhí shuì jù wéi jǐ yǒu。
Dishonest importers would be able to pocket the VAT collected from customers.
4
布赖恩把手插进口袋里，把几枚硬币拨弄得叮当作响。
bù lài ēn bǎ shǒu chā jìn kǒu dài lǐ， ， bǎ jī méi yìng bì bō nòng dé dīng dāng zuò。
Brian put his hands in his pockets and jingled some change.
5
这幅画凭着临时进口许可证被送回了西班牙。
zhè fú huà píng zháo lín shí jìn kǒu xǔ kě zhèng bèi sòng huí le xī bān yá。
The painting was returned to Spain on a temporary import licence.
6
他匆匆东翻西找,在旅行箱里乱摸了一气,终于找到了他要找的东西, 就把它放进口袋.
tā cōng cōng dōng fān xī zhǎo, , zài lǚ háng xiāng lǐ luàn mō le yī, qì , zhōng yú zhǎo dào le tā yào zhǎo de, dōng xī , jiù bǎ tā fàng.
He hastened about, rummaging in his valise for what he wanted, and finally pocketing it.
7
我们用进口石油赚到的钱从国外购买一切商品。
wǒ mén yòng jìn kǒu shí yóu zhuàn dào de qián cóng guó wài gòu mǎi yī qiē shāng pǐn。
We buy everything abroad with the money earned from oil imports.
8
他挺直身子，把手插进口袋里。
tā tǐng zhí shēn zǐ， ， bǎ shǒu chā jìn kǒu dài。
He straightened up and slipped his hands in his pockets.
9
一进口,水就化了,种籽又辣又苦.
yī jìn kǒu, , shuǐ jiù huà, le , zhǒng zǐ yòu là.
In the mouth the water melts away and the seed chews sharp and bitter.
10
她把信折起来放进口袋.
tā bǎ xìn zhē qǐ lái fàng jìn kǒu dài.
She folded up the letter and put it in her pocket.
Cultural Notes for 进口
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of 进口 has gained prominence with the country's growing economy and participation in global trade. Major trade fairs and import expos are held annually, reflecting the importance of imported goods in Chinese consumer culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 进口
While it primarily refers to goods, 进口 can also describe the entrance of air or water in contexts like engineering or environmental science.
You can say '中国每年进口大量的商品' which means 'China imports a large amount of goods each year.'
The opposite is 出口 (chūkǒu), which means to export.
