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押金 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
押金yājīndepositHSK 5, n, 16 strokes, rank #16066, Hard
押金yājīndown paymentHSK 5, n, 16 strokes, rank #16066, Hard
yājīn(ya1jin1)ya jin T1
  1. 1deposit
  2. 2down payment
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March 24, 2026

押金yājīn(ya1jin1)

押金 (yā jīn) refers to a deposit or down payment that is often required to secure a rental agreement or service. It serves as a form of security for the provider against potential damages or unpaid bills, and is typically refundable upon the completion of the contract terms.

Strokes16Frequency#16066DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, paying a deposit is a standard practice and reflects trust and commitment in a transaction. It's common to discuss the terms of the deposit thoroughly before signing a rental agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'yacht' (sounds like 'ya') that you need to put a 'genuine' (sounds like 'jin') deposit on before sailing. Visualize the yacht floating peacefully, showing that your deposit secures your adventure while providing assurance to the owner.

Meanings of 押金

yājīn(ya1jin1)
1deposit
2down payment
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About 押金

押金Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16066Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2

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Podcast: 押金

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AI Study Notes for 押金

Quick Contrast

押金 (yājīn) vs 定金 (dìngjīn) — use 押金 for security deposits that are refundable, while 定金 refers to non-refundable deposits to secure a purchase.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context in which you use 押金, as it is often used in discussions about renting apartments or services. Common collocations include '付押金' (pay a deposit) and '退押金' (refund the deposit). Avoid mixing this term up with similar terms like '预付款' (prepayment) which is not refundable.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 押金 connects with other financial vocabulary such as 费用 (cost) and 账单 (bill). Focus on its usage in practical scenarios like contracts or rental agreements to reinforce your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 押金 with other types of payments. For example, saying '我需要付预付款' (I need to pay a prepayment) when they mean 押金 is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我需要付押金' (I need to pay a deposit).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 押金

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Component Characters

押yāto mortgage
HSK 78 strokes扌
View full entry
金jīngold
HSK 38 strokes金
View full entry

How to say deposit in Chinese

“deposit” in Chinese is押金yājīn

押金 (yā jīn) refers to a deposit or down payment that is often required to secure a rental agreement or service. It serves as a form of security for the provider against potential damages or unpaid bills, and is typically refundable upon the completion of the contract terms.

When to use 押金

Be mindful of the context in which you use 押金, as it is often used in discussions about renting apartments or services. Common collocations include '付押金' (pay a deposit) and '退押金' (refund the deposit). Avoid mixing this term up with similar terms like '预付款' (prepayment) which is not refundable.

押金 or something close to it

押金 (yājīn) vs 定金 (dìngjīn) — use 押金 for security deposits that are refundable, while 定金 refers to non-refundable deposits to secure a purchase.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 押金 with other types of payments. For example, saying '我需要付预付款' (I need to pay a prepayment) when they mean 押金 is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我需要付押金' (I need to pay a deposit).

Write 押金

押
金

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Cultural Notes for 押金

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, a security deposit is also common, but the regulations around its refund and use can vary significantly, often governed by specific laws that may differ from those in China.

Frequently Asked Questions about 押金

Typically, you will lose your 押金 if you cancel after signing the rental agreement, as it is meant to secure the landlord's commitment.

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