定金

• ピンイン: dìng jīn
• 漢字の分解: 定 = 宀 + 正 (to settle, fix); 金 = pictograph of metal nuggets under the ground (gold, money)

意味

定金（違約金性のある手付金）

Legally distinct from 订金 (a simple advance that can be returned). Under Chinese contract law, if the payer defaults the 定金 is forfeited; if the payee defaults they must return double. Commonly used in property purchases, vehicle sales, and high-value contracts.

例文

1. 签订购房合同时，买方须支付房屋总价百分之十的定金作为担保。
2. 由于卖方单方面违约，买方依法要求对方双倍返还定金。
3. 支付定金之前，务必仔细阅读合同条款，充分了解各项违约后果。

使い方ガイド

場面: law, real estate, commerce, contracts

トーン: neutral

正しい言い方

• 根据合同约定，任何一方违约均须承担定金罚则的法律后果。(According to the contract, either party in breach must bear the legal consequences of the deposit penalty clause.)
• 购车时支付定金后，销售方有义务按约定时间交付车辆，否则须双倍返还。(After paying the deposit for a vehicle purchase, the seller is obligated to deliver the car at the agreed time; otherwise, double the amount must be returned.)

避ける言い方

• 定金和订金是一样的 — they are legally distinct; 定金 carries statutory penalty rules whereas 订金 is just an advance payment with no mandatory penalty structure

起源と歴史

定 (fix/settle) + 金 (gold/money)

文化的背景

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal