jìnkǒu: 进口 - To Import, Imported, Entrance

Keywords: jinkou, 进口, Chinese word for import, imported goods in China, China import, jìn kǒu, meaning of 进口, how to say import in Chinese, entrance in Chinese

Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese word 进口 (jìnkǒu), which means “to import,” “imported,” and “entrance.” This guide breaks down its literal meaning (“enter port”), its crucial role in the modern Chinese economy and daily life, and how to use it correctly in sentences about everything from imported cars to subway entrances. Understand the cultural significance of imported goods in China and the key differences between 进口 (jìnkǒu) and its opposite, 出口 (chūkǒu).

Pinyin (with tone marks): jìnkǒu

Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective, Noun

HSK Level: HSK 4

Concise Definition: To bring goods in from a foreign country; goods that are imported; an entrance or point of entry.

In a Nutshell: 进口 (jìnkǒu) is a word of movement—from outside to inside. It's formed by `进 (jìn)` meaning “to enter” and `口 (kǒu)` meaning “opening” or “port.” Its primary meaning is economic: goods “entering the port” of a country are imports. By extension, it can also describe the goods themselves (“imported”) or refer to a physical “entrance” you can walk through.

进 (jìn): To enter, to advance. The character shows a bird (隹) moving forward (辶), illustrating the idea of progress and entry.

口 (kǒu): Mouth, opening, port. This is a pictogram of an open mouth, but it's used to describe any kind of opening, from a doorway to a seaport.

The characters combine to literally mean “enter the opening” or “enter the port.” This perfectly captures the modern meaning of goods arriving in a country (import) as well as the literal meaning of a physical entrance.

For decades following China's “Reform and Opening Up” (改革开放), 进口 (jìnkǒu) goods held a special status. They were often seen as symbols of quality, safety, and affluence. This perception was particularly strong for items like cars, cosmetics, and electronics. After food safety scandals, `进口奶粉` (imported milk powder) became a necessity for many middle-class families, who trusted foreign brands more.

The Western equivalent might be the premium placed on a “Swiss watch” or “German engineering,” but in China, this perception extended to a much wider range of everyday consumer goods. Saying something was `进口的` (imported) was a powerful marketing tool.

However, this is changing. In recent years, the rise of `国潮 (guócháo)`—a trend of national pride in domestic brands—has begun to challenge the automatic superiority of imported products. While `进口` goods are still popular, high-quality Chinese brands are gaining significant trust and market share, reflecting a major shift in consumer confidence and national identity.

进口 (jìnkǒu) is an extremely common word used in three main ways.

Usage with `的 (de)`: When used as an adjective, `进口` can directly precede the noun (e.g., `进口车` - imported car) or be used after the noun with `是…的` (e.g., `这辆车是进口的` - This car is imported). Both are correct, but the latter structure is very common for emphasizing the “imported” attribute of a specific item.

`进口` vs. `入口 (rùkǒu)`: For the “entrance” meaning, `入口 (rùkǒu)` is a very common synonym and is often preferred for the entrance of buildings, rooms, or websites (“login portal”). `进口` is perfectly acceptable but is also frequently used for larger-scale entry points like ports, subway systems, and large venues. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

出口 (chūkǒu) - The direct antonym: “to export,” “exported,” or an “exit.”

国产 (guóchǎn) - Domestically produced. The opposite of `进口` when used as an adjective for goods.

贸易 (màoyì) - Trade; commerce. `进口` is one half of international `贸易`.

海关 (hǎiguān) - Customs (the government agency). The organization that inspects and processes `进口` and `出口` goods.

关税 (guānshuì) - Tariff; customs duty. A tax applied to `进口` goods.

入口 (rùkǒu) - Entrance; entry. A common synonym for the “entrance” meaning of `进口`.

引进 (yǐnjìn) - To introduce (from an external source). This is a broader term used for introducing technology, talent, or concepts, not just physical goods.