예치하다 in 30 Seconds
- A formal verb meaning to deposit money or valuables in a secure place like a bank.
- Used in financial, legal, and real estate contexts for security deposits or reserves.
- Differs from '입금하다' by implying a formal 'holding' or 'safekeeping' purpose.
- Commonly seen in banking apps and contracts as the noun '예치금' (deposit).
The Korean verb 예치하다 (yechihada) is a formal and technical term primarily used in financial, legal, and administrative contexts. At its core, it means to deposit or place money, securities, or valuables into a specific institution like a bank or a court for safekeeping or to fulfill a specific requirement. While everyday speakers might use '저금하다' (to save money) or '넣다' (to put in) for casual banking, 예치하다 carries a weight of formality and often implies a larger sum of money or a specific purpose, such as a security deposit or an escrow payment.
- Financial Context
- In the world of banking, this word is used when you open a fixed-term deposit or when a corporation places its capital into a reserve account. It is less about the act of 'saving' for the future and more about the act of 'placing' the funds into a designated spot.
- Legal and Real Estate
- When you are buying a house or entering a contract, you might need to 'deposit' a certain amount of money into a third-party account to show good faith. This 'earnest money' or 'escrow' is described using the word 예치.
은행에 거액의 자금을 예치하다.
The nuance of 예치하다 is distinct from 입금하다 (to deposit/transfer money into an account). While 입금하다 focuses on the movement of money into an account, 예치하다 focuses on the status of the money being held there for a duration. For example, if you are required to keep 10 million won in an account to maintain a visa status, you are '예치'ing that money. It suggests a certain level of 'locking' or 'setting aside' the funds rather than just a simple transaction.
계약금을 제삼자 계좌에 예치해야 합니다.
Historically, the term stems from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters), where 'Ye' (預) means 'to entrust' or 'in advance' and 'Chi' (置) means 'to place'. Together, they literally mean 'to place in trust'. This is why it is so common in formal documents. You will see it on bank statements, insurance policies, and government regulations regarding mandatory reserves. It is a word that signals professionalism and financial stability.
- Common Objects
- The objects of this verb are usually '자금' (funds), '현금' (cash), '증권' (securities), '보증금' (security deposit), or '금품' (money and goods).
법원에 공탁금을 예치하였습니다.
Using 예치하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the specific particles that accompany it. Since it is a transitive verb, it takes an object marked by the object particles -을/를. The destination where the money or item is placed is marked by the location particle -에.
- Basic Sentence Pattern
- [Subject]이/가 [Place]에 [Object]을/를 예치하다. (Subject deposits Object in Place.)
회사는 비상금을 별도의 계좌에 예치하고 있습니다.
One of the most common ways you will encounter this word is in the passive or noun-form compound 예치금 (yechigeum), which means 'the deposited money' or 'deposit'. When used as a verb, it often appears in formal requests or instructions. For instance, a bank teller might ask you to '예치하시겠습니까?' (Would you like to deposit this?).
이 정기 예금 상품에 1,000만 원을 예치하면 이자가 높습니다.
- Usage with '기간' (Duration)
- Because '예치' implies holding, it is frequently used with time markers. '1년 동안 예치하다' (to deposit for one year).
In a legal or bureaucratic sense, the word is used when money is 'held' by an authority. For example, when a foreign student applies for a visa, the Korean government might require them to '예치' a certain amount of tuition or living expenses in a Korean bank to prove financial stability. This is not just 'saving'; it is a 'mandatory deposit'.
유학 비자를 받으려면 일정 금액을 은행에 예치해야 합니다.
우리는 만약을 대비해 여유 자금을 예치해 두었습니다.
Lastly, in the context of modern digital services, you might see this word in apps. For example, a food delivery app might have a '예치금' (credit/deposit) system where you '예치' money into your account to use for future orders. Here, it functions similarly to 'loading' a balance.
You are most likely to encounter 예치하다 in environments that handle money formally. It is not a word you would typically use with friends while splitting a dinner bill, but it is ubiquitous in professional settings.
- At the Bank (은행)
- Bankers use this term when discussing fixed-term deposits (정기예금) or savings accounts (적금). They might ask, '얼마를 예치하시겠어요?' (How much would you like to deposit?).
- In the News (뉴스)
- Financial news reports often mention '외환 보유고 예치' (depositing foreign exchange reserves) or '시중 은행의 예치금 규모' (the scale of deposits in commercial banks).
최근 금리가 오르면서 은행에 자금을 예치하는 사람들이 늘고 있습니다.
Another common place is in Real Estate (부동산). In Korea, when you rent an apartment, the large security deposit (보증금) is often described as being '예치'ed, especially if it's held in an escrow service to protect the tenant. Similarly, in legal disputes, if one party is ordered to pay a certain amount to the court until a decision is made, that is called '공탁금 예치'.
부동산 거래 시 안전을 위해 에스크로 계좌에 대금을 예치하세요.
In the tech world, Cryptocurrency (가상화폐) has brought this word back into the daily vocabulary of younger generations. Platforms that offer 'staking' services often use the term '가상자산 예치 서비스' (Virtual asset deposit service). Here, users '예치' their coins to earn interest, just like a traditional bank deposit.
고객님, 이 상품은 최소 100만 원부터 예치가 가능합니다.
- Legal Documents
- Contracts often include clauses like '을은 갑에게 보증금을 예치하여야 한다' (Party B shall deposit a security deposit with Party A).
Finally, you might hear it in government announcements regarding 'mandatory deposits' for environmental reasons, such as the '빈 용기 보증금 예치제' (Empty container deposit system), where consumers pay a small deposit for bottles that is returned upon recycling. This shows the word's versatility in administrative 'holding' of funds.
Because Korean has several words for 'putting money somewhere', learners often mix them up. The most common mistake is using 예치하다 in a context that is too casual or technically incorrect.
- Mistake 1: 예치하다 vs. 입금하다
- 입금하다 (ipgeumhada) simply means to put money into an account (like an ATM deposit). 예치하다 implies a purpose of holding or storing. You wouldn't say '친구 통장에 5,000원을 예치했어' (I deposited 5,000 won into my friend's account). You should use '입금했어' or '보냈어' (sent).
- Mistake 2: 예치하다 vs. 저금하다
- 저금하다 (jeogeumhada) is 'to save money' (like in a piggy bank or savings account). It has a nuance of accumulation over time. 예치하다 is a one-time act of placing a specific sum into a secure spot.
저기요, 제 지갑에 돈을 예치했어요. (X)
제 지갑에 돈을 넣었어요. (O)
Another mistake is forgetting the formal nature of the word. If you use 예치하다 when talking about small change or pocket money, it sounds like you are being sarcastic or overly dramatic. It’s like saying 'I have officially deposited my three dollars into the vending machine' in English.
책장에 책을 예치했다. (X)
책장에 책을 꽂았다 / 두었다. (O)
Lastly, learners sometimes confuse 예치하다 with 기탁하다 (to donate/entrust). While both involve giving something to an institution, '기탁' often implies a donation for public good or a temporary entrustment for a specific cause, whereas '예치' is strictly about financial/security holding with the expectation of the value remaining yours.
- Summary of Confusion
- Use '입금' for transfers, '저금' for saving small amounts, '보관' for physical items, and '예치' for formal financial/legal deposits.
그는 전 재산을 사회에 기탁했다. (He donated/entrusted his fortune to society.)
그는 전 재산을 은행에 예치했다. (He deposited his fortune in the bank.)
To truly master 예치하다, you should understand how it sits within a family of related terms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' or domain.
- 입금하다 (To Deposit/Credit)
- This is the most common word for putting money into an account. It is transactional. Example: '통장에 돈을 입금했어요.' (I put money in the account.)
- 저금하다 / 저축하다 (To Save)
- These focus on the act of saving for the future. '저금' is more colloquial, while '저축' is more formal. Example: '미래를 위해 저축하세요.' (Save for the future.)
- 공탁하다 (To Deposit Legally)
- This is a very specific legal term. It means to deposit money or property with a court or official agency to fulfill a legal obligation or settle a dispute.
돈을 예치하다 vs. 돈을 공탁하다
Another related word is 기탁하다 (to entrust). This is often used when giving money to a fund or organization for a specific purpose, like a scholarship fund. It’s slightly different from 예치하다 because 'yechi' usually implies you still 'own' the money and can get it back, whereas 'gitak' often implies giving it away for a purpose.
귀중품을 금고에 예치해 두었습니다.
- Synonym Comparison Table
-
- 입금하다: Daily banking, ATM use, transfers.
- 예치하다: Large sums, security deposits, fixed-term, formal.
- 저축하다: General saving for goals.
- 공탁하다: Legal/Court requirements only.
- 보관하다: General storage of physical objects.
In a business contract, you might see the phrase '담보를 제공하다' (to provide collateral). If that collateral is cash, it is often '예치'ed. So, 예치하다 is the specific action of placing that cash into the account designated as collateral.
Examples by Level
은행에 돈을 예치해요.
I deposit money in the bank.
Basic present tense with -어요.
여기에 예치하세요.
Please deposit it here.
Polite command -으세요.
돈을 예치하고 싶어요.
I want to deposit money.
Desire pattern -고 싶다.
얼마를 예치할까요?
How much shall I deposit?
Suggestion/Question -ㄹ까요?
만 원을 예치했습니다.
I deposited 10,000 won.
Past tense -았습니다.
예치금이 있어요?
Is there a deposit (amount)?
Noun form 예치금.
내일 예치할 거예요.
I will deposit it tomorrow.
Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.
누가 예치했어요?
Who deposited it?
Interrogative 'who'.
정기 예금에 500만 원을 예치했습니다.
I deposited 5 million won in a fixed deposit.
Specific financial term '정기 예금'.
이 돈을 은행에 예치해야 해요.
I must deposit this money in the bank.
Obligation -해야 하다.
예치하는 방법이 아주 쉬워요.
The way to deposit is very easy.
Noun modifying form -는 것/방법.
돈을 예치하면 이자가 생겨요.
If you deposit money, interest is generated.
Conditional -면.
어떤 은행에 예치할까요?
In which bank shall I deposit?
Determiner '어떤'.
예치한 돈을 찾고 싶어요.
I want to withdraw the money I deposited.
Past noun modifying form -ㄴ.
보증금을 미리 예치했어요.
I deposited the security deposit in advance.
Adverb '미리'.
예치 기간이 얼마나 돼요?
How long is the deposit period?
Compound noun '예치 기간'.
유학 비자를 받으려면 잔고를 예치해야 합니다.
To get a study visa, you must deposit a balance.
Purpose -으려면.
계약금을 제삼자에게 예치하기로 했습니다.
We decided to deposit the down payment with a third party.
Decision -기로 하다.
많은 사람들이 안전한 은행에 자금을 예치합니다.
Many people deposit funds in safe banks.
Formal present tense -ㅂ니다.
예치된 금액은 언제든지 확인 가능합니다.
The deposited amount can be checked at any time.
Passive participle 예치된.
이 상품은 1년 동안 예치해야 이자가 높습니다.
This product has high interest if you deposit for one year.
Duration marker '동안'.
현금을 예치하는 대신 주식을 샀어요.
Instead of depositing cash, I bought stocks.
-는 대신에.
은행에 예치해 둔 돈을 다 썼어요.
I spent all the money I had kept deposited in the bank.
Auxiliary verb -어 두다.
예치할 때 신분증이 필요합니다.
An ID card is required when depositing.
Time marker -을 때.
기업들은 여유 자금을 단기 금융 상품에 예치한다.
Companies deposit surplus funds in short-term financial products.
Plain style -ㄴ다.
법원에 공탁금을 예치하라는 명령을 받았다.
I received an order to deposit a legal deposit in court.
Indirect command -라고 하다.
그는 퇴직금을 연금 계좌에 예치하기로 결정했다.
He decided to deposit his retirement pay into a pension account.
Decision -기로 결정하다.
정부는 외환 보유고를 해외 은행에 예치하고 있다.
The government is depositing foreign exchange reserves in overseas banks.
Progressive -고 있다.
보증금을 예치하지 않으면 계약이 해지될 수 있습니다.
If you do not deposit the security deposit, the contract may be canceled.
Negative conditional -지 않으면.
고객의 자산은 별도의 신탁 기관에 예치됩니다.
Customers' assets are deposited in a separate trust institution.
Passive voice -되다.
거액을 예치할수록 우대 금리를 받을 수 있다.
The more you deposit a large sum, the better interest rate you can get.
-을수록.
그는 사고 보상금을 은행에 예치해 놓았다.
He had the accident compensation deposited in the bank.
State of result -어 놓다.
에스크로 제도는 매매 대금을 제삼자에게 예치하여 거래의 안전을 도모한다.
The escrow system promotes transaction safety by depositing the purchase price with a third party.
Formal conjunctive -하여.
중앙은행은 시중 은행의 법정 지급 준비금을 예치받는다.
The central bank receives deposits of statutory reserves from commercial banks.
Passive reception -받다.
가상자산 거래소는 고객 예치금을 분리하여 보관해야 할 의무가 있다.
Virtual asset exchanges have an obligation to store customer deposits separately.
Obligatory noun phrase -ㄹ 의무가 있다.
환경부는 일회용 컵 보증금 예치제를 시행하고 있다.
The Ministry of Environment is implementing a disposable cup deposit system.
Administrative term '예치제'.
수익금을 재투자하지 않고 은행에 예치하는 것은 보수적인 전략이다.
Depositing profits in the bank without reinvesting them is a conservative strategy.
Gerund phrase -는 것.
그는 유산의 일부를 자선 단체에 예치하여 관리하게 했다.
He deposited part of his inheritance with a charity to be managed.
Causative -게 하다.
채무자는 채권자를 위해 법원에 채무액을 예치함으로써 책임을 면했다.
The debtor avoided responsibility by depositing the debt amount in court for the creditor.
Method/Means -함으로써.
고위 공직자의 재산은 투명하게 예치되고 공개되어야 한다.
The assets of high-ranking officials must be transparently deposited and disclosed.
Passive obligation -되어야 한다.
금융 기관의 건전성은 예치된 자산의 유동성 확보에 달려 있다.
The soundness of a financial institution depends on securing the liquidity of deposited assets.
-에 달려 있다.
신탁법에 의거하여 수탁자는 위탁받은 금전을 안전하게 예치할 책무가 있다.
In accordance with the Trust Act, the trustee has a duty to safely deposit the entrusted money.
Legal phrase '에 의거하여'.
그는 자신의 철학을 담은 저작권료를 장학 재단에 영구 예치했다.
He permanently deposited his royalties, which contained his philosophy, into a scholarship foundation.
Adverb '영구' (permanently).
파생상품 거래 시 증거금을 예치하는 것은 시장 리스크를 상쇄하기 위함이다.
Depositing margin when trading derivatives is to offset market risk.
Reason -기 위함이다.
국가 간의 조세 조약에 따라 해외 예치 자산에 대한 정보가 공유된다.
Information on assets deposited overseas is shared according to tax treaties between countries.
-에 대한 (regarding).
자본의 예치는 단순한 보관을 넘어 경제 순환의 기초가 된다.
The deposit of capital goes beyond simple storage and becomes the basis of economic circulation.
-을 넘어 (beyond).
그는 부당하게 예치된 자금을 회수하기 위해 법적 소송을 제기했다.
He filed a lawsuit to recover funds that were unfairly deposited.
Purpose -기 위해.
보험사는 수령하지 않은 보험금을 별도로 예치하여 관리할 책임이 있다.
Insurance companies are responsible for separately depositing and managing unclaimed insurance money.
Complex noun modification.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The return of a deposited amount.
계약이 끝나면 예치금 반환을 요청하세요.
— Depositing for a fixed term.
정기 예치 상품을 추천합니다.
— The minimum amount required for a deposit.
최소 예치 금액은 10만 원입니다.
— A certificate proving a deposit has been made.
비자 신청 시 예치 증명서가 필요합니다.
— Depositing the full amount.
상금을 전액 은행에 예치했다.
— Depositing separately (often for safety).
고객 예탁금은 회사 자산과 분리 예치됩니다.
— Depositing for a long period.
장기 예치 시 우대 금리를 드립니다.
— Deposit limit.
1인당 예치 한도가 정해져 있습니다.
— Depositing at any time (as opposed to fixed).
수시 예치가 가능한 통장입니다.
— A fee for depositing or maintaining a deposit.
일부 서비스는 예치 수수료가 발생합니다.
Idioms & Expressions
— To store something very securely (literal, but used as a standard for safety).
비밀 문서를 금고에 예치했다.
Neutral— To keep something in one's heart/mind (rare, poetic).
그의 조언을 가슴 깊이 예치했다.
Literary— To 'deposit' time into something for future gain (metaphorical).
공부에 시간을 예치하는 셈이다.
Metaphorical— To place trust in someone/something (metaphorical).
국민은 정부에 신뢰를 예치했다.
Metaphorical— To store seeds (often used for seed banks).
미래를 위해 종자 은행에 씨앗을 예치했다.
Technical— To secure something as if it were an insurance policy.
실력을 쌓는 것은 미래의 보험을 예치하는 것이다.
Metaphorical— To build up good karma/merit (religious/metaphorical).
좋은 일을 하여 공덕을 예치하다.
Religious— To hold onto a dream for the future.
그는 어린 시절의 꿈을 가슴에 예치해 두었다.
Literary— To formalize a promise.
우리는 서
Summary
예치하다 is your 'professional' word for depositing. Use it when discussing large sums, legal requirements, or security deposits. For example: '은행에 보증금을 예치했다' (I deposited the security deposit in the bank).
- A formal verb meaning to deposit money or valuables in a secure place like a bank.
- Used in financial, legal, and real estate contexts for security deposits or reserves.
- Differs from '입금하다' by implying a formal 'holding' or 'safekeeping' purpose.
- Commonly seen in banking apps and contracts as the noun '예치금' (deposit).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
~대하여
A2About, concerning, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
계좌번호
A2A unique identifier for a bank account.
