債 (zhài) - Debt — something, typically money, that is owed & an obligation to pay or repay something, especially

債Tone 4

zhài ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

債 · zhài

Debt — something, typically money, that is owed or due;

an obligation to pay or repay something, especially money.

Debt — something, typically money, that is owedan obligation to pay or repay something, especially

Usage highlights

DebtNational debtCorporate bondTo owe a debtTo repay a debtDebt collector

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He has a large debt to repay (他有一大笔债要还).
  • The company issued corporate bonds (公司债券).
  • National debt is a major economic concern (国债).
  • They are burdened by mortgage debt (房贷).

Collocations

  • Debt(债务)
  • National debt(国债)
  • Corporate bond(公司债)
  • To owe a debt(欠债)
  • To repay a debt(还债)
  • Debt collector(讨债人)

Idioms

  • To pay a debt of gratitude(报恩还债)
  • Debts must be paid(欠债还钱)
  • Run away from debts(债台高筑)
  • Accumulated debts(负债累累)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, debt carries strong moral weight — failing to repay is seen as dishonorable.
  • The character combines 'person' (亻) and 'responsibility' (責), emphasizing personal obligation.
  • Historically, debt relationships were governed by social reputation rather than formal contracts.

FAQ