on3 gam1按金

Jyutpingon3 gam1

Yaleon gām

名詞

Definition

Guarantee money; a refundable deposit paid temporarily as a security.

colloquialmoneyhome

How it's used

Refers specifically to a sum of money held as security against potential damage or non-payment. It is distinct from a down payment or a fee because it is intended to be returned in full provided the terms of the agreement are met. People often use this term in the context of renting property or hiring equipment.

Measure word

bat1筆bāt

Examples

zou1租uk1屋jiu3要gaau1交loeng5兩go3個jyut6月on3按gam1金，hou2好gwai3貴aa4呀。

Renting a house requires a two-month deposit, it's so expensive.

nei5你teoi3退zou1租zi1之hau6後，jip6業zyu2主wui2會m4唔wui2會teoi3退faan1返on3按gam1金bei2俾nei5你？

Will the landlord return the deposit to you after you move out?

Common phrases

gaau1交on3按gam1金

to pay a deposit

teoi3退on3按gam1金

to refund a deposit

kau3扣on3按gam1金

to deduct from the deposit

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 訂金, which is a non-refundable down payment used to secure a purchase or booking. Using 按金 when you mean a down payment can lead to misunderstandings about whether the money will be returned.