noun
deposit; earnest money; guarantee money
Used in real estate and general transactions for a sum paid to secure a contract or show good faith.
家を買うときは、契約時に証拠金を支払う必要がある。
When buying a house, you need to pay a deposit at the time of contract.
noun
Financial term for collateral or margin required in trading, futures, or other secured transactions.
先物取引では、証拠金を差し入れることで大きな取引が可能になる。
In futures trading, posting margin allows you to make large transactions.
保証金 is a security deposit or guarantee money, often for rental agreements or as a bond. 証拠金 can overlap but is more commonly used in financial trading contexts.
Compound of 証拠 (proof, evidence) and 金 (money). The term likely arose in financial and legal contexts to denote money that serves as evidence of intent or security.