‘佣金’ (yòng jīn) literally combines ‘佣’ (yòng), meaning ‘to hire’ or ‘service’, and ‘金’ (jīn), meaning ‘gold’ or ‘money’. Together, it refers to a fee paid to an intermediary—such as a salesperson, agent, or broker—for facilitating a transaction. It is not a fixed salary but a performance-based payment, often calculated as a percentage of the sale amount.

This term is commonly used in business, real estate, insurance, and online platforms where third parties connect buyers and sellers. Unlike ‘工资’ (wāngzī, salary) or ‘报酬’ (bàochou, remuneration), ‘佣金’ specifically implies compensation tied to successful outcomes, like closing a deal or completing a referral. It carries a formal, professional register and appears frequently in contracts, invoices, and financial discussions.