deng1 daap6 deng1釘叠釘钉叠钉
Jyutpingdeng1 daap6 deng1
Yaledēng daahp dēng
Definition
Compound interest, especially the exorbitant interest on interest charged by loan sharks.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Used primarily in the context of predatory lending or informal debt, this term vividly describes how interest accumulates on top of previously unpaid interest. It carries a strong warning tone, often implying that the debt has become unmanageable or dangerous. The imagery of nails stacking suggests a rigid, inescapable trap for the borrower.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term for standard bank loans or legitimate financial investments, as it is specifically associated with high-interest, often illicit, lending practices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
