1.
premium; installment payment
A regular payment made toward insurance, a savings plan, or an installment scheme.
A compound of 掛け (betting; installment) and 金 (money). The two senses reflect different uses of 掛ける: paying in installments or staking money on a gamble.
Sense 1 (insurance/installment payments) is the more common usage in everyday life. Japanese insurance discussions frequently use this term when comparing plans and costs.
Note: This word is distinct from 掛け金/掛金, which can also mean a latch or clasp (for doors). The reading かけきん specifically refers to money.
Common collocations
- 保険の掛け金: insurance premium
- 掛け金を払う: to pay premiums
- 掛け金を上げる: to raise the stake/premium
- 月々の掛け金: monthly premiums