Definition
定金 (dìngjīn) is a deposit or down payment that secures a purchase agreement, often non-refundable if the buyer backs out. Unlike 押金 (yājīn), which is a refundable security deposit (e.g., for renting), 定金 is paid to hold an item or contract. 首付 (shǒufù) refers specifically to the initial percentage payment for a large purchase like a house, while 定金 can be a fixed amount.
noun
down paymentadvance payment
Examples
- 定金。Mǎi zhè liàng chē xūyào xiān fù yì bǐ dìng jīn.To buy this car, you need to pay a down payment first.
- ，定金。Rúguǒ qǔxiāo dìngdān, dìng jīn kěnéng bú huì tuìhuán.If you cancel the order, the down payment may not be refunded.
- ，定金。Qiān hétong zhīqián, nǐ bìxū zhīfù bǎi fēn zhī èrshí de dìng jīn.Before signing the contract, you must pay a twenty percent down payment.
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