首付 (shǒufù) refers to the down payment, particularly in the context of purchasing property or large items, such as vehicles. It is the initial payment made when securing a loan, with the remaining balance financed over time. This term is commonly used in real estate transactions in China, where down payments can be a significant percentage of the total purchase price.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
shǒufù(shou3fu4) T3
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May 27, 2026
首付shǒufù(shou3fu4)
首付 (shǒufù) refers to the down payment, particularly in the context of purchasing property or large items, such as vehicles. It is the initial payment made when securing a loan, with the remaining balance financed over time. This term is commonly used in real estate transactions in China, where down payments can be a significant percentage of the total purchase price.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of a down payment is particularly significant due to the high property prices in urban areas, often requiring substantial financial planning and saving. Understanding 首付 can provide insight into the challenges many young people face when trying to buy their first home.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a giant key (首) to their new home, but they can only unlock the door after making a first payment (付). The '首' represents 'first', and '付' means 'to pay', helping you visualize the concept of a down payment as the key to home ownership.
About 首付
首付Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 首付
Podcast: 首付
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AI Study Notes for 首付
Quick Contrast
首付款 (shǒu fù kuǎn) refers specifically to the down payment in a financial context, while 首付 (shǒufù) is a more general term for down payment, often used in real estate.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a giant key (首) to their new home, but they can only unlock the door after making a first payment (付). The '首' represents 'first', and '付' means 'to pay', helping you visualize the concept of a down payment as the key to home ownership.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 首付 with 付款 (fùkuǎn), which means 'payment' in a more general sense. 首付 is typically used in formal financial contexts, so it’s best suited for conversations about real estate or large purchases.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 learner, focus on understanding the nuances of financial vocabulary and how it relates to everyday life. Connect this term with other financial words you know, such as 贷款 (dàikuǎn, loan) and 利率 (lìlǜ, interest rate), to enhance your comprehension of financial discussions.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of a down payment is particularly significant due to the high property prices in urban areas, often requiring substantial financial planning and saving. Understanding 首付 can provide insight into the challenges many young people face when trying to buy their first home.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly confuse 首付 with 首次 (shǒucì, first time) when talking about payments. Remember, 首付 specifically refers to the down payment, while 首次 refers to the first occurrence of an event.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 首付
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Cultural Notes for 首付
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of a down payment is particularly significant due to the high property prices in urban areas, often requiring substantial financial planning and saving. Understanding 首付 can provide insight into the challenges many young people face when trying to buy their first home.
Frequently Asked Questions about 首付
Typically, a 首付 can range from 20% to 30% of the property value, but this can vary based on government policies and market conditions.
Yes, many people use their personal savings to make the 首付, as it demonstrates financial responsibility to lenders.
While 首付 is common for mortgages, not all loans require a down payment; it depends on the type of loan and lender.
