Translation guide
The English word 'levy' refers to imposing or collecting a tax, fee, fine, or military force. This guide covers how to express these actions naturally in Japanese, focusing on common verbs and nouns used in legal, financial, and administrative contexts.
To officially impose or collect a tax, duty, or fee.
The most common verb for imposing a tax, fine, or obligation. Often used in official contexts.
The government levied a new tax.
罰金が課された。
A fine was levied.
A formal term for imposing taxes or duties, often used in legal or administrative documents.
市は住民税を賦課する。
The city levies a resident tax.
Focuses on the collection aspect of a levy. Commonly used for taxes, fees, or dues.
Can mean to levy or collect, but often implies forceful or strict collection, such as debt collection. Use with caution.
May carry a negative nuance of harsh collection. Not a neutral term for tax levy.
借金を取り立てる。
To collect a debt (levy on a debtor).
To officially impose a monetary penalty.
Specifically used for imposing fines or penalties. Similar to 課す but more common for punishments.
裁判所は彼に罰金を科した。
The court levied a fine on him.
Also used for fines, though slightly broader. 科す is more precise for penalties.
違反者には罰金が課される。
A fine is levied on violators.
To enlist or conscript soldiers, often historically.
The standard term for conscripting or levying troops. Used in historical and modern contexts.
国は軍隊を徴兵した。
The country levied an army.
To call up or muster troops, often for a specific purpose. Can be used for levying forces.
王は兵を召集した。
The king levied soldiers.
A more literary or historical phrase meaning to recruit or levy soldiers.
幕府は兵を募った。
The shogunate levied troops.
The tax, fee, or amount that is levied.
Refers to taxation or a tax levy. Commonly used in compounds.
新たな課税が導入された。
A new levy was introduced.
A formal term for a levy or assessment, often used in legal contexts.
組合は賦課金を徴収する。
The union collects a levy.
General word for tax. Can be used when 'levy' means a tax in context.
Both mean 'to impose,' but 課す is broader (taxes, duties, obligations), while 科す is specifically for penalties or punishments (fines, sentences). In many contexts they overlap, but for fines, 科す is more precise.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'levy.' Always choose the verb or noun based on what is being levied (tax, fine, troops). Using 課す or 徴収する is usually safe for financial contexts.
この税金は輸入品に課される。
This levy is imposed on imports.