‘房贷’ (fáng dài) literally means ‘house loan’ — combining 房 (fáng, ‘house’ or ‘residential property’) and 贷 (dài, ‘loan’ or ‘to lend’). It refers specifically to a long-term loan taken out to purchase real estate, typically a home or apartment. Unlike general personal loans, a mortgage is secured against the property itself, meaning the lender can reclaim it if repayments are not made.

This term is widely used in everyday financial discussions in China — when people buy homes, discuss monthly payments, apply for bank approval, or compare interest rates. It often appears in formal contexts like banking, real estate contracts, and government housing policies. While ‘房贷’ is neutral and standard, it carries practical weight: many Chinese families spend decades repaying it, making it central to household budgeting and life planning.