Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'tax collector' is most commonly expressed with the word 徴税吏員 (chōzei riin) in formal contexts, but more often the specific tax office or role is referenced. For historical or biblical contexts, 取税人 (shuzeinin) is used. In modern everyday speech, people usually refer to the tax office (税務署) or its staff rather than a 'collector'.
A government employee who collects taxes in a contemporary setting.
Formal term for a tax collection official. Used in legal or administrative contexts.
彼は市の徴税吏員として働いている。
He works as a tax collector for the city.
Literally 'tax office staff'. This is the most natural way to refer to someone who works at the tax office, though not specifically a 'collector'.
税務署の職員が調査に来た。
A tax office staff member came for an audit.
An older or more bureaucratic term for a tax collector. Rarely used in modern conversation.
収税吏が納税者を訪問した。
The tax collector visited the taxpayer.
A tax collector in ancient times, especially in the context of the Bible or history.
Specifically used for tax collectors in the Bible (e.g., Matthew the tax collector). Well-known term among Christians.
マタイは取税人でした。
Matthew was a tax collector.
A more general term for a tax collector in historical contexts, but less common than 取税人 for biblical references.
古代ローマでは徴税人が嫌われていた。
In ancient Rome, tax collectors were hated.
Referring to the institution or office responsible for tax collection rather than an individual.
In Japanese, people often refer to the tax office (税務署) as the entity that collects taxes, rather than a person. This is the most natural way to talk about tax collection in daily life.
税務署から通知が来た。
I got a notice from the tax office.
Directly translating 'tax collector' as 税金集める人 (zeikin atsumeru hito) sounds unnatural and is not used. Use the appropriate term based on context.
In modern Japan, taxes are typically paid at banks or convenience stores, and the role of a 'tax collector' as a person who goes door-to-door is rare. Therefore, the concept is often expressed through institutions rather than individuals.
The National Tax Agency. Used when referring to the national tax authority.
国税庁が新しいガイドラインを発表した。
The National Tax Agency announced new guidelines.