押金

• Pinyin: yā jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 押 = 扌 (hand) + 甲 (first/armor), to press down/pledge; 金 = pictograph of gold nuggets, money

Meaning

Deposit; security deposit. Money paid as a guarantee that will be returned upon fulfillment of conditions.

Required for rentals (apartments, cars, equipment), hotel stays, and various services. Usually refundable when the item is returned undamaged or the contract ends properly. Common in everyday transactions in China. Related term: 退押金 (refund deposit).

Examples

1. 租房子需要先交两个月的押金。 Renting an apartment requires paying a two-month deposit first.
2. 退房时，酒店会把押金退给你。 When checking out, the hotel will refund your deposit.
3. 共享单车不再需要交押金了。 Bike-sharing no longer requires a deposit.

Usage Guide

Context: rental, business, transactions

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 押金多少钱？(How much is the deposit?)
• 我什么时候能拿回押金？(When can I get my deposit back?)

Don't Say

• 给你押金当小费 (押金 is refundable by nature — use 小费 for tips or 定金 for non-refundable down payments)

Origin & History

Compound of 押 (pledge, security) and 金 (money), meaning pledged money.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal