Understanding "贷款" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 贷款
• Pinyin: dài kuǎn
• Literal Meaning: "Loan money" (贷 = lend; 款 = funds)
• Primary Meaning: A loan (money borrowed from a bank or financial institution that must be repaid, often with interest).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"贷款" is a formal term used in financial and everyday contexts to refer to borrowing money, typically from banks, governments, or other institutions. It applies to various loan types, such as:
- Mortgage loans (住房贷款, zhùfáng dàikuǎn)
- Student loans (助学贷款, zhùxué dàikuǎn)
- Business loans (商业贷款, shāngyè dàikuǎn)

Nuances:
- Unlike informal borrowing (e.g., 借钱, jiè qián), "贷款" implies structured repayment terms and interest.
- In China, loans often involve strict eligibility checks due to cultural emphasis on financial prudence.

Character Breakdown

• 贷 (dài): To lend or borrow (related to financial transactions).
• 款 (kuǎn): Funds, money, or a sum of cash.
  Together, they emphasize a formal monetary agreement.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我申请了一笔住房贷款。
   Pinyin: Wǒ shēnqǐng le yì bǐ zhùfáng dàikuǎn.
   English: I applied for a mortgage loan.

2. Chinese: 这家银行提供低利率的商业贷款。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiā yínháng tígōng dī lìlǜ de shāngyè dàikuǎn.
   English: This bank offers low-interest business loans.

3. Chinese: 还清贷款需要十年时间。
   Pinyin: Huán qīng dàikuǎn xūyào shí nián shíjiān.
   English: It will take ten years to repay the loan.

Cultural Notes

• In China, loans are often tied to long-term life goals (e.g., buying property or education), reflecting societal values of stability and investment in the future.
• Government-backed loans (e.g., for rural development) are common, highlighting state involvement in economic growth.

Conclusion

"贷款" (dài kuǎn) is a key term for financial discussions in Chinese, covering formal loans with structured repayment. Remember: 贷 = lend, 款 = funds. Use it for bank transactions, mortgages, or business financing!