How to Write 债 (zhài) — Meaning “debt”

Think of a person (亻) who has a responsibility (责) to pay back borrowed money. The "responsibility" part visually looks like a stack of bills or a contract you must honor.

Write the left radical 亻 first as a narrow vertical shape, then the right side 责 starting with the top horizontal stroke. A common mistake is making the left side too wide—keep it slim so the right side has enough space for its 7 strokes.

While 债 means debt with the person radical, 佩 (pèi) means to wear or admire and includes 巾 (cloth), and 佬 (lǎo) means an adult man and uses 老 (old). Visually, 债’s right side 责 is distinct from 佩’s 巾 and 佬’s 老.

债 appears in common words like 欠债 (qiàn zhài, to be in debt) and 还债 (huán zhài, to repay a debt). In Chinese culture, debt is taken seriously, and the saying 欠债还钱 (qiàn zhài huán qián) emphasizes the moral duty to repay what you owe.

Common words containing 债 include: 欠债 (qiàn zhài) — To be in debt; 还债 (huán zhài) — to pay back a debt; 借债 (jiè zhài) — borrow money / run into debt.