The Vietnamese word "cầm cố" refers to the act of mortgaging an asset, typically property or valuable items, as a form of loan security. When someone "cầm cố" something, they are using it as collateral to borrow money, with the agreement that the lender can take possession of the item if the borrower fails to repay the loan.
In more complex financial discussions, "cầm cố" can be used in conjunction with other terms related to loans, such as "cầm cố tài sản" (mortgaging assets) or "cầm cố ruộng vườn" (mortgaging field and garden).
While "cầm cố" primarily refers to mortgaging in a financial context, it can also imply the general act of holding something as security or collateral in various informal contexts.
Understanding "cầm cố" is essential for discussing financial matters in Vietnamese, especially regarding loans and property.