押金

• 拼音: yā jīn
• 汉字拆解: 押 = 扌 (hand) + 甲 (first/armor), to press down/pledge; 金 = pictograph of gold nuggets, money

含义

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).

例句

1. 租房子需要先交两个月的押金。
2. 退房时，酒店会把押金退给你。
3. 共享单车不再需要交押金了。

用法指南

语境: rental, business, transactions

语气: practical

正确说法

• 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?)

错误说法

• 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)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal