About

The Chinese word "按揭" is formed through a phonetic and semantic blend: the character "按" (àn) approximates the sound of "mort" from the English "mortgage" and conveys the idea of pressing or securing, while "揭" (jiē) approximates "gage" and conveys lifting or disclosing, together creating a term that represents a loan secured by property.

Word Definition - 按揭

àn jiē a mortgage (loanword via Cantonese); to buy property on a mortgage

Individual Character Details