貣 (tè) - To borrow & to lend

貣Tone 4

tè ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

貣 · tè

To borrow;

to lend;

to owe;

also used in ancient texts for the concept of debt or obligation.

To borrowto lendto owe

Usage highlights

To borrow moneyTo take out a loanTo owe a debtTo lend moneyDebt obligationBorrower

Synonyms

  • 贷— to lend; loan
  • 借— to borrow; lend
  • 欠— to owe

Antonyms

  • 还— to repay; return
  • 偿— to compensate; repay

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He borrowed money from the bank (向银行貣款).
  • The company took out a loan (公司貣款).
  • They owe a debt of gratitude (他们貣恩).

Collocations

  • To borrow money(貣款)
  • To take out a loan(貣债)
  • To owe a debt(貣欠)
  • To lend money(貣贷)
  • Debt obligation(貣务)
  • Borrower(貣方)

Idioms

  • To borrow from the east to pay the west(东貣西还)
  • Borrowing without returning(有貣无还)
  • Debt of gratitude(恩貣如山)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Ancient character for debt and borrowing relationships, appearing in classical texts.
  • Reflects traditional concepts of financial obligation and reciprocity in Chinese society.
  • Less commonly used in modern Chinese, largely replaced by 贷 in contemporary usage.

FAQ