借条 (jiè tiáo): receipt for a loan; IOU

When lending money, it's best to write an IOU to avoid future disputes.

He asked me to sign the IOU, promising to repay the money next month.

This IOU clearly states the loan amount and repayment date.

If there is no IOU, what should we do if the other party denies it?

He carefully put the IOU away in the drawer.