This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 noun 10 min read

按揭

an jie

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 按揭 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 按揭 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word '按揭' (ànjiē). It is a very difficult word for beginners. However, you might hear it if you are looking at houses with your parents or friends. Just remember that '按揭' means 'money from the bank for a house.' If you want to buy a house but you don't have all the money, you ask the bank for an '按揭'. It is like a big loan that you pay back every month for many years. Think of it as 'House Loan.' You can say '我买房，要按揭' (I buy house, need mortgage). It is a noun. You use it when talking about buying a home. Most people at this level will just use the word '钱' (money) or '贷款' (loan), but '按揭' is the special word for houses. Don't worry about the characters yet; they are hard to write. Just try to recognize the sound 'ànjiē' when you are near a bank or a big apartment building.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about your life and your plans. '按揭' (ànjiē) is a useful word if you want to talk about buying an apartment. In China, buying an apartment is very important. You can use '按揭' as a noun. For example: '按揭很高' (The mortgage is very high). This means the monthly payment is a lot of money. You can also say '申请按揭' (apply for a mortgage). This is a common phrase. A bank gives you the '按揭' so you can live in a new home. You will pay the bank back every month. This is called '还按揭' (huán ànjiē). '还' means to give back. If you are learning Chinese to live in China, you will see this word in advertisements for new buildings. They often say '首付三成，其余按揭' which means 'Pay 30% now, the rest is a mortgage.' It is a specific kind of loan only for houses.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '按揭' (ànjiē) in more complex sentences. You should understand that it is a formal term for a home loan. You can use it to describe financial pressure or life milestones. For example, '为了还按揭，他每天工作到很晚' (In order to pay back the mortgage, he works late every day). Here, '按揭' represents a long-term responsibility. You should also know the compound '按揭贷款' (ànjiē dàikuǎn), which is the full name. You might use it when discussing the economy or personal finances with friends. You can talk about '按揭利率' (mortgage interest rates) going up or down. At this level, you should distinguish between '按揭' and '贷款'. Use '按揭' when the context is clearly about real estate. It makes your Chinese sound more precise. You should also be comfortable using verbs like '办理' (to process) with it: '办理按揭手续' (to process mortgage procedures).

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of '按揭' (ànjiē). You should know that it is a transliteration from English via Cantonese, which explains why the characters don't literally mean 'house loan.' You should be able to use it in professional or semi-professional contexts, such as discussing real estate market trends or bank policies. You should understand related terms like '按揭成数' (loan-to-value ratio) and '按揭年限' (mortgage term). A B2 learner should be able to explain the difference between '按揭' and '抵押' (dǐyā). '按揭' is specifically for purchasing the asset, while '抵押' is using an existing asset as collateral. You can use '按揭' in complex structures, such as: '受政府宏观调控影响，各大银行纷纷收紧了按揭贷款的审批尺度' (Influenced by government macro-control, major banks have tightened the approval standards for mortgage loans). This level of usage shows you understand both the financial terminology and the formal register of Chinese.

At the C1 level, '按揭' (ànjiē) should be a natural part of your professional vocabulary. You should be able to discuss the socio-economic implications of the '按揭' system in China, such as its role in the housing bubble or its impact on the consumption habits of the 'mortgage slave' (房奴) generation. You should be familiar with legal and financial jargon involving the word, such as '转按揭' (switching mortgages/refinancing) or '按揭权人' (mortgagee). You should be able to read and understand mortgage contracts and the fine print regarding interest rate adjustments (如LPR利率挂钩). Your usage should reflect an understanding of regional differences—for instance, noting that while '按揭' is universal in formal documents, Cantonese speakers use it more frequently in daily speech than Northerners. You can use it in analytical writing: '按揭制度的引入极大地推动了中国城市化进程，但同时也累积了显著的金融风险' (The introduction of the mortgage system greatly promoted China's urbanization process, but also accumulated significant financial risks).

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of '按揭' (ànjiē) and its place in the Chinese linguistic landscape. You can use the term with absolute precision in high-level financial analysis, legal disputes, or academic research. You understand the historical evolution of the term from its Hong Kong roots to its current status as a pillar of mainland China's property law. You can navigate the complexities of '预售商品房按揭' (mortgages for pre-sold commercial housing) and the specific legal protections for both lenders and borrowers. You are comfortable using the term in idiomatic or metaphorical ways if they arise in sophisticated discourse. You can critique the '按揭' system's impact on social mobility and wealth inequality. Your ability to switch between the formal '按揭贷款' and the colloquial '房贷' or even the dialect-specific nuances of the term shows a deep cultural immersion. You can engage in debates about '按揭证券化' (mortgage securitization) and its implications for global financial stability, using the term as a building block for advanced economic theories.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

按揭 in 30 Seconds

按揭 (ànjiē) is the formal Chinese term for a mortgage, specifically used for purchasing real estate with a bank loan.
The word is a phonetic loan from English via Cantonese, commonly used in mainland China and Hong Kong real estate markets.
It functions as a noun, frequently paired with verbs like '申请' (apply), '办理' (process), and '还' (repay).
Understanding '按揭' is essential for navigating the Chinese property market and discussing personal finances or economic trends.

The term 按揭 (ànjiē) is a specialized financial noun in Chinese that translates directly to 'mortgage' in English. While it specifically refers to the process of using a property as collateral to secure a loan from a bank, its linguistic journey is quite fascinating. Unlike many traditional Chinese financial terms, 按揭 is actually a transliteration from the English word 'mortgage' via Cantonese. In the late 20th century, as the real estate market in Hong Kong flourished, this term became the standard way to describe home loans. Eventually, as mainland China's property market modernized and adopted similar financial structures, the term migrated into standard Mandarin. Today, you will encounter it in every corner of the real estate industry, from bank brochures and legal contracts to casual conversations between friends discussing their monthly expenses.

Financial Classification: In a formal sense, it is categorized as a secured loan. The borrower retains the right to use the property, but the lender (the bank) holds a legal interest in it until the debt is fully satisfied. If the borrower defaults, the bank has the right to repossess and sell the property to recover the funds.
Linguistic Origin: The characters themselves were chosen for their phonetic proximity to the English 'mortgage' in Cantonese (on3 kit3). '按' (àn) means to press or according to, and '揭' (jiē) means to lift or uncover. Together, they don't have a literal meaning that equals 'home loan,' which is why it is considered a loanword or a phonetic loan.

由于房价上涨，很多年轻人不得不申请长达三十年的按揭贷款来购买他们的第一套住房。
— Common economic news context

Understanding when to use 按揭 versus the more general term 贷款 (dàikuǎn, loan) is crucial for B2 learners. While 贷款 can refer to any borrowing—be it for a car, a business, or personal use—按揭 is almost exclusively reserved for real estate. You would rarely hear someone say 'car 按揭'; instead, they would say '汽车贷款'. Furthermore, 按揭 implies a specific structure of repayment over a long period, usually 10 to 30 years, with the property acting as the primary security. It conveys a sense of long-term commitment and is often associated with the 'middle-class' lifestyle or the struggle of 'house slaves' (房奴, fángnú) who spend a large portion of their income on these payments.

银行已经批准了他的按揭申请，现在他终于可以搬进新家了。

Repayment Methods: When discussing 按揭, two common repayment methods are mentioned: 等额本息 (děng'é běnxī, equal monthly payments of principal and interest) and 等额本金 (děng'é běnjīn, equal monthly principal payments with decreasing interest). Choosing between these is a major decision for any home buyer in China.

In a broader societal context, 按揭 represents the financialization of Chinese society. Before the 1990s, housing was largely allocated by work units (单位, dānwèi). The introduction of the 按揭 system allowed for the private ownership of property on a massive scale, fueling the urban boom. Therefore, the word carries connotations of modernization, personal debt, and the 'Chinese Dream' of owning a home. For an English speaker, it is best to think of it as the 'technical and formal word for a home mortgage.'

Using 按揭 (ànjiē) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often functions as a modifier for other nouns or as the object of specific financial verbs. It is rarely used as a verb on its own in modern Mandarin, though in some southern dialects influenced by Cantonese, you might hear it used that way. To sound natural, you must pair it with the right 'collocates'—the words that typically hang out with it.

Common Verb Pairings

办理 (bànlǐ): To process/handle. '办理按揭' means to go through the administrative process of getting a mortgage.
申请 (shēnqǐng): To apply for. '申请按揭' is used when you are submitting your paperwork to the bank.
偿还 (chánghuán): To repay. '偿还按揭' refers to the monthly act of paying back the loan.
批准 (pīzhǔn): To approve. Used from the bank's perspective.

如果你想购买这套公寓，你需要先向银行申请按揭。

Another important grammatical structure is using 按揭 as an adjective-like modifier for 'loan' (贷款). You will frequently see the compound 按揭贷款 (ànjiē dàikuǎn). While '按揭' alone can mean mortgage, '按揭贷款' is the full, explicit term often found in newspaper headlines and official documents. For example, '按揭贷款利率' (mortgage interest rates).

他的月薪大部分都用来还按揭了，生活过得很节俭。

Sentence Patterns for B2 Learners

Subject + 靠 + 按揭 + Verb: '他靠按揭买了一套房' (He bought a house by relying on a mortgage).
Subject + 的 + 按揭 + 还没 + Verb 完: '我的按揭还没还完' (My mortgage hasn't been paid off yet).
银行 + 停止 + 发放 + 按揭: '银行停止发放按揭' (The bank stopped issuing mortgages).

In professional writing, you might also see 按揭 used in passive structures or as part of complex noun phrases. For instance, '按揭成数' (ànjiē chéngshù) refers to the mortgage ratio or loan-to-value ratio. '按揭年限' (ànjiē niánxiàn) refers to the mortgage term in years. Mastering these collocations will make your Chinese sound significantly more sophisticated and precise when discussing financial matters.

If you are living in a Chinese-speaking city, the word 按揭 (ànjiē) will become a staple of your auditory environment. It is not an obscure academic term; it is a word of the streets, the offices, and the dinner tables. Knowing where you'll hear it helps you prepare for the specific registers of speech associated with those locations.

1. The Sales Center (售楼处 - shòulóuchù): This is the primary habitat of the word. Sales agents will bombard potential buyers with phrases like '您可以首付三成，剩下的走按揭' (You can pay 30% down, and the rest goes through a mortgage). Here, the tone is persuasive and fast-paced.
2. The Bank (银行 - yínháng): In the credit department, the language is more formal. You'll hear bank clerks asking for your '按揭申请材料' (mortgage application materials) or discussing the '按揭利率上浮' (mortgage interest rate hike). The context here is administrative and precise.

收音机里正在讨论央行降低按揭首付比例的新政策。

Socially, 按揭 is a frequent topic of conversation among young professionals. In a culture where home ownership is deeply tied to marriage and social status, the burden of 按揭 is a common 'pain point' (痛点). You might hear friends complaining at a hotpot restaurant: '现在的按揭压力太大了' (The mortgage pressure nowadays is too high). In this context, the word carries a heavy emotional weight, signifying the sacrifices made for long-term stability.

银行职员提醒我，办理按揭需要提供近半年的收入证明。

3. Legal and Real Estate Documents: When signing a '购房合同' (purchase contract), look for the section titled '付款方式' (payment method). You will see '按揭贷款' listed as an option alongside '一次性付款' (lump-sum payment). The language here is rigid and legally binding.

Finally, in the digital age, you'll see this word all over apps like Lianjia (链家) or Beike (贝壳). These apps often have '按揭计算器' (mortgage calculators) where you can input the property price and interest rate to see your monthly payments. In summary, if the conversation involves money and houses, 按揭 is likely the guest of honor.

While 按揭 (ànjiē) seems straightforward as a translation for 'mortgage,' learners often trip up on its specific usage constraints and its relationship with similar terms. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you communicate more accurately in a professional or financial setting.

1. Using It for Non-Property Loans: This is the most frequent error. English speakers might think 'mortgage' can be used loosely for any secured loan. In Chinese, 按揭 is strictly for real estate. If you are borrowing money for a car, even if the car is collateral, use 车贷 (chēdài) or 汽车贷款. If you use 按揭 for a car, a native speaker will immediately know you are translating literally from English.
2. Confusing '按揭' with '抵押' (Dǐyā): While they both involve collateral, the purpose is different. 按揭 is a 'purchase-money mortgage'—you get the loan to buy the house you are pledging. 抵押 is a broader term where you already own something (like a house or a factory) and you pledge it to get cash for another purpose. If you say '我抵押了房子买这套房,' it implies you used an old house to buy a new one, which is different from a standard 按揭.

❌ 错误：我申请了汽车按揭。
✅ 正确：我申请了汽车贷款。

Another mistake involves the verb 'to pay.' In English, we 'pay the mortgage.' In Chinese, you should use 还 (huán, to return/repay) or 偿还 (chánghuán). Using 付 (fù, to pay) is understandable but less precise for a debt. You 付首付 (pay the down payment) but you 还按揭 (repay the mortgage). This distinction reflects the Chinese view of a mortgage as a debt to be returned rather than a simple service fee to be paid.

❌ 错误：他每个月要付很多按揭。
✅ 正确：他每个月要还很多按揭贷款。

3. Misunderstanding the Transliteration: Some learners try to break down '按' and '揭' to find a literal meaning. '按' means 'according to' and '揭' means 'to reveal.' Trying to find logic in these characters for a home loan will only lead to confusion. Remember: it is a phonetic loan from Cantonese. Treat it as a single unit of meaning.

Finally, be careful with the register. While 按揭 is common, in very informal settings with close friends, simply saying 还房贷 (huán fángdài) is often more natural. Using 按揭 in a casual chat about your weekend plans might sound a bit like you're reading from a bank statement. Use 按揭 when you want to sound precise, professional, or when discussing the technicalities of the loan.

To truly master 按揭 (ànjiē), you need to see where it fits in the family of Chinese financial terms. Chinese has several words that overlap with 'mortgage' and 'loan,' and choosing the right one depends on the context, the asset involved, and the formality of the situation.

按揭 (Ànjiē) vs. 房贷 (Fángdài)

按揭: The formal, technical term. Used in contracts, banking, and professional news. It emphasizes the legal structure of the mortgage.

房贷: Short for '住房贷款' (zhùfáng dàikuǎn). The common, everyday term. Used in conversation, social media, and casual talk. '房贷' is much more frequent in spoken Chinese.

按揭 (Ànjiē) vs. 抵押 (Dǐyā)

按揭: Specifically for buying the property that serves as collateral. The loan's purpose is the purchase itself.

抵押: A general term for 'pledge' or 'collateralize.' You can 抵押 anything of value (cars, stocks, land) to get a loan for any purpose (starting a business, paying medical bills).

Comparison:
1. 我申请了按揭买房。(I applied for a mortgage to buy a house.)
2. 我把房子抵押给银行来贷款开公司。(I mortgaged/pledged my house to the bank to get a loan to start a company.)

Other related terms include 贷款 (dàikuǎn), which is the umbrella term for all loans. If you are unsure, 贷款 is always a safe bet, but it lacks the specificity of 按揭. There is also 分期付款 (fēnqī fùkuǎn), which means 'installment payments.' While a mortgage is a type of installment payment, 分期付款 is usually used for consumer goods like iPhones, furniture, or cars where a bank might not be directly involved in a 'mortgage' sense.

如果你不想付利息，你可以选择不走按揭，而是全款买房。

Summary Table

Term	Asset	Register
按揭	Real Estate	Formal/Technical
房贷	Real Estate	Informal/Neutral
抵押	Any Asset	Legal/General
分期	Consumer Goods	Commercial

Understanding these distinctions ensures you don't just speak Chinese, but you speak the right Chinese for the situation. Whether you're arguing with a bank manager or chatting with a neighbor about their new apartment, choosing between 按揭 and its alternatives shows a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The characters '按' and '揭' were chosen primarily for their sound in Cantonese. If you look at their meanings in Mandarin—'to press' and 'to lift'—they have no logical connection to home loans. This is a classic example of how Hong Kong's role as a bridge between East and West influenced modern Chinese vocabulary.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmɔːɡɪdʒ/

US /ˈmɔːrɡɪdʒ/

The stress in 'ànjiē' is equal on both syllables, as is typical in Mandarin, though the falling tone of 'àn' makes it sound more forceful.

Rhymes With

饭街 (fànjiē) 半阶 (bànjiē) 案节 (ànjié - slant rhyme) 看街 (kànjiē) 慢阶 (mànjiē) 叹阶 (tànjiē) 断阶 (duànjiē) 赞街 (zànjiē)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jiē' as 'jié' (second tone).
Pronouncing 'àn' as 'ān' (first tone).
Confusing 'jiē' with 'jiě' (to explain).
Misplacing the emphasis on the second syllable.
Failing to sustain the high level tone of 'jiē'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The characters are complex to recognize and specific to the financial domain.

Writing 5/5

Writing '揭' correctly requires attention to stroke order and components.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is relatively simple once tones are mastered.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable in real estate and financial contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

银行贷款房子钱还

Learn Next

利率首付抵押违约合同

Advanced

证券化负资产宏观调控 LPR 优先受偿权

Grammar to Know

Using '靠' (kào) to indicate the means of financing.

他靠按揭买了一套别墅。

Using '被' (bèi) for passive mortgage actions.

他的按揭申请被银行拒绝了。

The '...的...' structure for noun modification.

按揭的利息非常高。

Using '还' (huán) vs '付' (fù) for debt repayment.

每个月十五号我要还按揭。

Topic-comment structure in financial talk.

这笔按揭，我打算十年还清。

Examples by Level

我买房子需要按揭。

I buy a house, I need a mortgage.

Subject + Verb + Object + Need + Noun.

按揭是很贵的。

The mortgage is very expensive.

Noun + is + Adjective.

这是我的按揭。

This is my mortgage.

Pronoun + is + Possessive + Noun.

他不想要按揭。

He does not want a mortgage.

Negative '不' before the verb '想'.

银行有按揭吗？

Does the bank have mortgages?

Question particle '吗' at the end.

按揭每个月都要还。

The mortgage must be paid every month.

'每个月' (every month) indicates frequency.

我的爸爸有按揭。

My dad has a mortgage.

Simple possessive '我的'.

按揭很多钱。

A mortgage is a lot of money.

Noun + Verb + Quantity.

他正在申请按揭贷款。

He is currently applying for a mortgage loan.

'正在' indicates an action in progress.

按揭的利息很高。

The interest on the mortgage is high.

'的' links the noun '按揭' to its attribute '利息'.

如果你没钱，可以办按揭。

If you don't have money, you can process a mortgage.

Conditional '如果...可以...' structure.

这套房子的按揭是三十年。

The mortgage for this house is thirty years.

Specifying the duration of the noun.

我每个月还五千块按揭。

I pay five thousand yuan for the mortgage every month.

Verb '还' (repay) is used for loans.

按揭申请被银行拒绝了。

The mortgage application was rejected by the bank.

Passive voice using '被'.

你想办多少年的按揭？

How many years of mortgage do you want to do?

Interrogative '多少' for numbers.

按揭买房很普遍。

Buying a house with a mortgage is very common.

'按揭' acts as an adverbial modifier for '买房'.

由于收入稳定，他的按揭很快就获批了。

Because his income is stable, his mortgage was quickly approved.

'由于' (due to) explains the reason.

还完按揭后，这套房子就完全属于我了。

After paying off the mortgage, this house will completely belong to me.

'...后' (after) indicates a future state.

按揭压力让他不得不放弃休假。

Mortgage pressure forced him to give up his vacation.

'不得不' (have no choice but to).

现在的按揭利率比去年低了一些。

The current mortgage interest rate is a bit lower than last year.

Comparison using '比'.

在办理按揭之前，你需要准备好收入证明。

Before processing the mortgage, you need to prepare proof of income.

'在...之前' (before doing something).

许多年轻人通过按揭实现了安居梦。

Many young people realized their dream of settling down through mortgages.

'通过' (through/by means of).

他打算提前偿还部分按揭以节省利息。

He plans to repay part of the mortgage early to save on interest.

'以' (in order to).

银行会根据你的信用记录决定按揭额度。

The bank will decide the mortgage limit based on your credit history.

'根据...决定' (decide based on...).

购房者在签署按揭合同时应仔细阅读各项条款。

Home buyers should carefully read all terms when signing a mortgage contract.

Formal '应' (should) and '各项' (each/all).

该银行推出了针对首次购房者的优惠按揭方案。

The bank has launched a discounted mortgage scheme for first-time buyers.

'针对' (aimed at/targeting).

如果按揭断供，银行有权处置抵押的房产。

If the mortgage payments stop, the bank has the right to dispose of the mortgaged property.

'断供' (stop supply/payment) is a specific term.

按揭成数的高低直接影响到购房者的首付压力。

The level of the mortgage ratio directly affects the down payment pressure on buyers.

'...的高低' (the level of...) as a subject.

他咨询了多家银行，希望能找到利率最低的按揭。

He consulted several banks, hoping to find the mortgage with the lowest interest rate.

'咨询' (to consult/inquire).

转按揭业务在某些城市已经逐渐放开。

The mortgage transfer business has gradually opened up in some cities.

'逐渐' (gradually).

长期按揭虽然月供少，但总利息支出非常惊人。

Although long-term mortgages have low monthly payments, the total interest expense is staggering.

'虽然...但...' (although... but...).

按揭贷款已经成为现代家庭负债的主要组成部分。

Mortgage loans have become a major component of modern household debt.

'成为...组成部分' (become a component of).

政府通过调整按揭首付比例来抑制房地产市场的投机行为。

The government curbs speculative behavior in the real estate market by adjusting mortgage down payment ratios.

Complex sentence with '通过...来...' (by means of... to...).

由于经济下滑，该地区的按揭违约率出现了显著上升。

Due to the economic downturn, the mortgage default rate in the region has risen significantly.

Formal '显著' (significant) and '违约率' (default rate).

按揭权人在法律上享有对抵押财产的优先受偿权。

The mortgagee legally enjoys the right of priority in compensation for the mortgaged property.

Legal terminology: '按揭权人', '优先受偿权'.

许多专家担心，过度证券化的按揭资产会引发金融危机。

Many experts worry that over-securitized mortgage assets will trigger a financial crisis.

'引发' (to trigger/cause).

住房公积金按揭贷款的利率通常低于商业银行贷款。

The interest rate for Housing Provident Fund mortgages is usually lower than that of commercial bank loans.

Specific term: '住房公积金' (Housing Provident Fund).

在某些法律体系下，按揭被视为所有权的暂时让渡。

Under certain legal systems, a mortgage is seen as a temporary transfer of ownership.

Passive '被视为' (be seen as).

银行在审批按揭时会综合考量借款人的还款能力与信用风险。

When approving mortgages, banks comprehensively consider the borrower's repayment ability and credit risk.

'综合考量' (comprehensively consider).

按揭合同中的‘格式条款’往往存在对消费者不利的倾向。

The 'standard terms' in mortgage contracts often tend to be unfavorable to consumers.

Quotation marks for specific legal terms.

按揭这一概念在引入内地时，曾引发关于所有权归属的广泛法律辩论。

When the concept of mortgage was introduced to the mainland, it sparked extensive legal debates regarding the ownership of property.

Historical/Legal context with '曾' (once).

金融机构通过复杂的衍生工具，将基础按揭资产转化为高流动性的证券。

Financial institutions transform underlying mortgage assets into highly liquid securities through complex derivative instruments.

Advanced financial vocabulary: '衍生工具', '高流动性'.

在负资产潮中，许多业主发现其房产市值已低于未偿还的按揭余额。

In the wave of negative equity, many owners found that the market value of their property was already lower than the outstanding mortgage balance.

Economic term: '负资产' (negative equity).

按揭权之设定，旨在平衡融资之便捷性与债权之安全性。

The establishment of mortgage rights aims to balance the convenience of financing with the security of creditor's rights.

Classical/Formal style using '之' instead of '的'.

由于宏观审慎政策的收紧，按揭贷款的成数限制已成为调控房价的有力杠杆。

Due to the tightening of macro-prudential policies, mortgage loan-to-value limits have become a powerful lever for controlling house prices.

Policy-oriented language: '宏观审慎政策'.

对于预售房按揭，银行需承担开发商无法按时交房的信用风险。

For pre-sold housing mortgages, banks must bear the credit risk of developers failing to deliver houses on time.

Complex business relationship description.

深入剖析按揭合同的法律性质，有助于厘清借款人与银行间的权利义务边界。

A deep analysis of the legal nature of mortgage contracts helps to clarify the boundaries of rights and obligations between borrowers and banks.

Analytical verb '剖析' (analyze deeply).

按揭违约的连锁反应可能波及整个金融体系，引发系统性风险。

The chain reaction of mortgage defaults could affect the entire financial system, triggering systemic risk.

Systemic analysis vocabulary: '连锁反应', '系统性风险'.

Common Collocations

申请按揭

办理按揭

还按揭

按揭利率

按揭合同

按揭贷款

按揭成数

按揭计算器

转按揭

按揭违约

Common Phrases

按揭购房

— Buying a house through a mortgage. It is the most common way for urban residents to acquire property.

按揭购房已经成为主流。

按揭手续

— The administrative procedures for getting a mortgage. This includes credit checks and income verification.

按揭手续非常繁琐。

按揭额度

— The total amount of the mortgage loan. This is decided by the bank based on property value and income.

我的按揭额度不够买这套房。

按揭年限

— The duration of the mortgage in years. Standard terms are 10, 20, or 30 years.

按揭年限越长，总利息越多。

按揭压力

— The financial and psychological burden of monthly mortgage payments.

高昂的房价带来了巨大的按揭压力。

按揭审批

— The bank's review and approval process for a mortgage application.

银行正在进行按揭审批。

按揭专员

— A bank officer specialized in handling mortgage loans.

有问题可以咨询银行的按揭专员。

按揭首付

— The down payment made before the mortgage covers the rest of the purchase price.

我攒了好几年才够按揭首付。

按揭保险

— Insurance required by some lenders to protect against mortgage default.

有些按揭需要购买特定的保险。

按揭回扣

— A controversial practice where agents get commissions from banks for mortgage referrals.

严禁中介收取按揭回扣。

Often Confused With

按揭 vs 抵押

Mortgage (ànjiē) is for purchasing the asset; Pledge (dǐyā) is using an existing asset as collateral.

按揭 vs 贷款

Loan (dàikuǎn) is the general category; Mortgage (ànjiē) is the specific type for houses.

按揭 vs 分期

Installment (fēnqī) is usually for consumer goods; Mortgage (ànjiē) is for high-value real estate.

Idioms & Expressions

"房奴"

— Literally 'house slave'. Refers to people who spend a large portion of their income on mortgage payments, leaving little for other life enjoyments.

为了买这套房，他成了名副其实的房奴。

Colloquial/Modern

"债台高筑"

— Deeply in debt. While not specific to mortgages, it is often used to describe someone with an overwhelming mortgage.

由于过度按揭，他现在债台高筑。

Literary

"安居乐业"

— To live and work in peace and contentment. A mortgage is often seen as the prerequisite for this state.

有了按揭，他终于能在这个城市安居乐业了。

Formal

"倾家荡产"

— To lose everything or spend all one's wealth. Used hyperbolically to describe the cost of a mortgage.

买这套房简直让他倾家荡产。

Idiom

"省吃俭用"

— To live frugally. This is the lifestyle of many people paying back an '按揭'.

为了还按揭，他们全家都在省吃俭用。

Common

"寸土寸金"

— Land is extremely expensive. Explains why people need an '按揭' in the first place.

在这个寸土寸金的城市，不按揭根本买不起房。

Idiom

"量入为出"

— To live within one's means. Financial advice often given to those considering an '按揭'.

办理按揭时，一定要坚持量入为出的原则。

Formal

"望楼兴叹"

— To look at buildings and sigh (because you can't afford them). Describes the feeling before getting an '按揭'.

房价太高，年轻人只能望楼兴叹。

Literary

"白手起家"

— To start from scratch. Many people use '按揭' to build wealth starting from nothing.

他靠按揭买房，在这个城市白手起家。

Idiom

"斤斤计较"

— To haggle over every penny. Common when comparing '按揭' interest rates.

在谈按揭利率时，他表现得斤斤计较。

Colloquial

Easily Confused

按揭 vs 暗示

Similar initial 'àn'.

暗示 (ànshì) means to hint or suggest, which is a verb unrelated to finance.

他暗示我他需要帮助。

按揭 vs 便捷

Shares the 'jié' sound (though tones differ in some dialects).

便捷 (biànjié) means convenient and fast.

这种支付方式非常便捷。

按揭 vs 安置

Similar 'ān' sound.

安置 (ānzhì) means to settle down or find a place for someone.

政府安置了受灾群众。

按揭 vs 按劳

Similar 'àn' sound.

按劳 (ànláo) means 'according to labor' (as in 按劳分配).

我们要坚持按劳分配的原则。

按揭 vs 接见

Shares phonetic components with '揭'.

接见 (jiējiàn) means to receive a visitor or grant an interview.

市长接见了外宾。

Sentence Patterns

我想申请[Number]年按揭。

我想申请二十年按揭。

因为[Reason]，所以我要办按揭。

因为钱不够，所以我要办按揭。

虽然有按揭，但是[Positive State]。

虽然有按揭，但是我有自己的家了。

受[Factor]影响，按揭利率[Change]了。

受政策影响，按揭利率上浮了。

只有[Condition]，银行才会批准按揭。

只有收入稳定，银行才会批准按揭。

通过[Method]，我们可以减轻按揭压力。

通过提前还款，我们可以减轻按揭压力。

按揭违约不仅会[Result 1]，还会[Result 2]。

按揭违约不仅会失去房子，还会影响信用。

针对[Object]的按揭政策体现了[Value]。

针对刚需人群的按揭政策体现了政府的民生关怀。

Word Family

Nouns

按揭人 (Mortgagor)

按揭权人 (Mortgagee)

按揭贷款 (Mortgage Loan)

转按揭 (Mortgage Transfer)

Verbs

办理按揭 (To process a mortgage)

申请按揭 (To apply for a mortgage)

还按揭 (To repay a mortgage)

Adjectives

按揭的 (Mortgage-related)

抵押

贷款

房产

银行

利息

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban China, particularly among adults aged 25-50.

Common Mistakes

Using '按揭' for a phone or car. → 使用 '分期' 或 '贷款'。
按揭 is strictly for real estate. For an iPhone, say '分期付款'.
Saying '付按揭' instead of '还按揭'。 → 还按揭
You 'return' (还) a loan, you don't just 'pay' (付) it like a bill.
Confusing '按揭' with '抵押' in purchase contexts. → 使用 '按揭'。
If you are buying the house, use 按揭. If you are using a house you own to get cash, use 抵押.
Pronouncing '揭' in the second tone (jié). → jiē (first tone)
The first tone is high and flat. Second tone sounds like '节' (festival).
Using '按揭' as a verb: '我按揭了那套房'。 → 我通过按揭买了那套房。
In Mandarin, it's primarily a noun. Use it with a verb like '办' or '通过'.

Tips

Use with '贷款'

To sound more formal, use the four-character compound '按揭贷款' instead of just '按揭'.

The 'House Slave' Concept

Mentioning '按揭' often triggers talk about '房奴'. Use this to engage in deeper cultural conversations.

Verb Choice

Always use '还' (huán) when talking about paying the bank back. Using '付' (fù) is less natural.

Don't Translate the Characters

Don't try to find meaning in '按' and '揭' individually; they are just sounds for 'mortgage'.

Tone Accuracy

The fourth tone on 'àn' is crucial. If you say it with a first tone, it might sound like 'peace' (安).

Level Up

At B2 level, start using '按揭利率' and '按揭成数' to describe market conditions.

Character Practice

Practice writing '揭' as it has many strokes. Focus on the right-side component '曷'.

Context Clues

If you hear '银行' and '房子' in the same sentence, the word that follows is likely '按揭'.

Know your 'Dǐyā'

Remember: 按揭 is for buying; 抵押 is for pledging what you already have.

LPR Connection

In modern China, 按揭利率 is often linked to the LPR (Loan Prime Rate).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'An' (按) as 'Answering' the bank's call for money, and 'Jie' (揭) as 'Just' for the house. You 'An-Jie' to get your key.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant hand 'pressing' (按) a house down onto a bank contract to 'reveal' (揭) a key underneath.

Word Web

银行 (Bank) 房屋 (House) 贷款 (Loan) 利息 (Interest) 合同 (Contract) 首付 (Down Payment) 月供 (Monthly Payment) 房奴 (House Slave)

Challenge

Try to use '按揭' in a sentence that also includes the word '压力' (pressure) and '未来' (future).

Word Origin

The term '按揭' originated in Hong Kong during the British colonial period. It was created as a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'mortgage'. The Cantonese pronunciation 'on3 kit3' sounds remarkably similar to the first two syllables of 'mortgage'.

Original meaning: Phonetic representation of a secured loan for property.

Sino-Tibetan (transliterated from Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing mortgages with friends; it can be a source of significant stress and a reminder of financial inequality.

In the West, 'mortgage' is a standard part of adult life, but the cultural link between home ownership and marriage is less rigid than in China.

TV drama 'Dwelling Narrowness' (蜗居) - explores the struggles of people living under mortgage pressure. The term '房奴' became the 'Word of the Year' in China in 2006. Financial reports on CCTV-2 frequently analyze '按揭' trends.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Buying a new apartment

首付多少？
按揭利率是多少？
可以按揭多少年？
需要什么材料？

Talking to a bank clerk

我想办按揭。
我的贷款批了吗？
可以提前还款吗？
月供是多少？

Complaining with friends

按揭压力太大了。
还要还二十年按揭。
利息太高了。
成了房奴了。

Reading financial news

按揭政策收紧。
首付比例上调。
按揭违约风险。
利率下行。

Legal disputes

按揭合同违约。
房产抵押权。
强制执行。
拍卖房屋。

Conversation Starters

"你买房是全款还是走按揭？ (Did you pay full price or use a mortgage?)"

"现在的按揭利率你觉得高吗？ (Do you think current mortgage rates are high?)"

"办理按揭的手续麻烦吗？ (Was the process for getting a mortgage troublesome?)"

"你打算多少年还清按揭？ (How many years do you plan to take to pay off the mortgage?)"

"最近按揭政策有没有什么新变化？ (Are there any new changes in mortgage policy recently?)"

Journal Prompts

谈谈你对‘按揭买房’这种消费观念的看法。 (Talk about your views on the consumption concept of 'buying a house with a mortgage'.)

如果你有一千万，你会全款买房还是按揭？为什么？ (If you had 10 million, would you pay in full or use a mortgage? Why?)

描述一下你理想中的房子，以及你为它申请按揭的计划。 (Describe your ideal house and your plan to apply for a mortgage for it.)

‘房奴’这个词反映了什么样的社会现状？ (What social reality does the word 'house slave' reflect?)

假设你是一个银行经理，你会如何向客户介绍按揭业务？ (Suppose you are a bank manager, how would you introduce mortgage business to a customer?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

按揭 is the formal and technical term often used in contracts and banks, while 房贷 is the colloquial shorthand used in daily life. Both refer to a home mortgage.

Technically no. In Chinese, 按揭 is almost exclusively for real estate. For a car, you should use 车贷 or 汽车贷款.

Because it is! It's a phonetic transliteration from the English word 'mortgage' via Cantonese (on-kit).

Common verbs include 申请 (apply), 办理 (process), 还 (repay), and 批准 (approve).

In standard Mandarin, it is used as a noun. While some dialects might use it as a verb, it is safer for learners to treat it as a noun.

It means to repay the mortgage. '还' (huán) means to return or give back.

It's a slang term for a 'house slave'—someone who spends most of their money on their 按揭.

Yes, an 按揭 (mortgage) typically involves paying back both the principal (本金) and the interest (利息).

Most people choose 20 or 30 years for their 按揭年限.

This is called 按揭违约. The bank has the right to repossess and sell your house to recover the debt.