放贷 (fàng dài) is a verb meaning 'to issue loans' or 'to lend money', typically used in formal or financial contexts. The character 放 (fàng) means 'to release' or 'to put into action', while 贷 (dài) means 'loan' or 'credit'. Together, they literally convey the idea of 'releasing a loan' — that is, transferring funds to a borrower under agreed terms. This term is commonly used when referring to banks, microfinance institutions, or licensed lenders engaging in lending activities.

It is not used for casual personal lending among friends or family; for those situations, phrases like 借钱给… (jiè qián gěi…) are more appropriate. 放贷 carries a professional, institutional connotation and often appears in news reports, regulatory documents, and financial discussions. It may also appear in compound forms like 放贷机构 (lending institution) or 违规放贷 (illegal lending). Understanding this word helps learners navigate Chinese economic and legal discourse accurately.