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署名する

A2 verb 9 min read

署名する

shomei suru

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 署名する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 署名する in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the basic concept of writing their name. While 'shomei suru' is a bit formal, it is often taught alongside 'namae o kaku' (to write a name). At this stage, students should focus on the physical action: taking a pen and writing their name on a piece of paper. The most common phrase they will encounter is 'Koko ni namae o kaite kudasai' (Please write your name here), but exposure to 'shomei' helps them prepare for real-world interactions at Japanese airports or hotels. Learners should understand that 'shomei' is the 'adult' or 'official' way to say 'write your name'. They don't need to know complex kanji yet, but recognizing the sound 'shomei' when a receptionist points to a line is very helpful. Simple practice involves identifying where to sign on a mock form and understanding that this word refers to themselves, not someone else. It's about the 'who' and 'where' of the name-writing process.

At the A2 level, learners should begin using 'shomei suru' in simple, practical scenarios. This is the level where students learn to navigate daily life in Japan, such as visiting a post office, a bank, or a ward office. They should be able to understand requests like 'Kono shorui ni shomei shite kudasai' (Please sign this document) and respond appropriately. A2 learners should also learn the difference between 'shomei' (signature) and 'hanko' (seal), as they might be asked for both. They can start to use the 'te-form' for requests (shomei shite) and the 'masu-form' for polite statements (shomei shimasu). The focus is on functional communication: knowing that when someone says 'shomei', they are looking for a handwritten name. They should also be aware that 'sain' is used for credit cards, helping them choose the right word for the right shop or office. This level bridges the gap between simple 'name writing' and 'official signing'.

At the B1 level, the nuance of 'shomei suru' becomes more important as learners engage in more complex social and professional situations. They should understand the legal implications of signing a document, such as a rental agreement (chintai keiyaku) or a work contract. B1 learners should be comfortable using 'shomei' in the context of 'shomei undō' (signature campaigns/petitions), reflecting an ability to participate in community or social issues. They should also learn related terms like 'denshi shomei' (digital signature) and understand how to use the potential form 'shomei dekiru' (can sign) and the conditional 'shomei sureba' (if I sign). At this stage, the student is not just following directions but is an active participant who can ask clarifying questions like 'Doko ni shomei sureba ii desu ka?' (Where should I sign?) or 'Dairi-nin demo shomei dekimasu ka?' (Can a proxy sign too?). Their vocabulary expands to include the nouns and verbs that often accompany signing in a business environment.

At the B2 level, learners encounter 'shomei suru' in formal writing, news reports, and academic contexts. They should understand the use of the passive voice 'shomei sareru' (to be signed) when discussing international treaties, government policies, or corporate mergers. B2 students should be able to distinguish between 'shomei' and its more technical counterparts like 'kimei' (printed name) and 'jisho' (handwritten signature). They should understand the cultural and historical context of the 'hanko' vs. 'shomei' debate in Japan, including recent government efforts to reduce seal usage (hanko-less movement). Their ability to use the word extends to abstract contexts, such as 'signing' one's support for a concept or movement. They should also be familiar with honorific versions like 'go-shomei' used in high-end customer service or formal ceremonies. At this level, the word is a tool for discussing law, society, and formal procedures with precision.

At the C1 level, learners explore the intricate legal and linguistic depths of 'shomei suru'. They should be able to read and understand legal contracts where 'shomei' is defined and its validity is discussed. This includes understanding the 'Signature Law' (Shomei-hou) and the technicalities of 'denshi shomei' (digital signatures) in cybersecurity and law. C1 students should be able to use the word in sophisticated debates about identity, forgery, and the evolution of Japanese administrative procedures. They can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Shomei no shinsei ga utagawarete iru' (The authenticity of the signature is being doubted). They should also recognize historical forms of signing like 'Kao' (stylized signatures) and how they relate to the modern concept of 'shomei'. The focus is on absolute accuracy in high-stakes professional environments, such as legal practice, high-level business negotiations, or academic research into Japanese social systems.

At the C2 level, 'shomei suru' is handled with the mastery of a native speaker, including its use in the most specialized fields. This includes forensic linguistics (analyzing signatures for forgery), constitutional law (the signing of the constitution or major amendments), and classical literature where 'signing' might take different linguistic forms. A C2 learner understands the deep etymological roots of the kanji '署' and '名' and can discuss how these characters have evolved in meaning over centuries. They are capable of drafting formal legal documents or petitions using 'shomei' and its related terminology with perfect register and tone. They can navigate the most complex bureaucratic hurdles in Japan, understanding the subtle differences between 'shomei', 'kimei', 'natsuin', and 'ouin' as they appear in the Japanese Civil Code. For a C2 learner, 'shomei suru' is not just a verb but a gateway into the complex intersection of Japanese law, history, and social identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

署名する in 30 Seconds

A formal verb for signing documents.
Used in legal, banking, and official contexts.
Implies handwritten names, not printed ones.
Often used in signature campaigns and treaties.

The Japanese verb 署名する (shomei suru) is a formal and precise term used to describe the act of signing one's name. While English speakers often use the word 'sign' for everything from a credit card receipt to a peace treaty, Japanese distinguishes between various levels of formality.

Etymology and Nuance: The word consists of '署' (sho), which relates to an official station or to write, and '名' (mei), meaning name. Together with the auxiliary verb 'suru' (to do), it literally means 'to perform the act of writing one's name'. Unlike the loanword 'サインする' (sain suru), which is commonly used for celebrity autographs or casual credit card transactions, 署名する implies a legal or official commitment. It is the term you will encounter in banking, real estate, and government offices.

契約書に署名する前に、内容をよく確認してください。 (Please check the contents carefully before signing the contract.)

In Japanese society, the use of a seal, or 'Hanko', has historically been more common than a signature for official business. However, shomei has gained significant ground in the modern era, especially in international contexts or where a personal touch is required to prevent forgery. When you use this word, you are signaling that the act of writing the name is a formal declaration of intent or identity. It is used in the context of petitions (署名運動 - shomei undō), where thousands of people 'sign' to support a cause. In these cases, the word carries the weight of collective public will.

Grammatical Placement: As a suru-verb, it follows the standard conjugation patterns. The object being signed is usually marked with the particle 'ni' (に) to indicate the target of the action (e.g., 書類に署名する - to sign a document), but 'o' (を) can also be used depending on the emphasis of the sentence.

彼はその請願書に署名することを決意した。 (He decided to sign that petition.)

Understanding the gravity of this word helps you navigate Japanese bureaucracy with the correct level of respect and linguistic precision. Whether you are opening a bank account or participating in a local community drive, knowing when to 'shomei' is a key step in mastering intermediate Japanese communication.

Using 署名する correctly requires an understanding of the particles that surround it and the social context of the sentence. Most commonly, you will see the pattern [Document] + に + 署名する.

The 'Ni' Particle: The particle 'ni' indicates the surface or the location where the signature is placed. For example, 'Kono kami ni shomei shite kudasai' (Please sign on this paper). This is the most natural way to express the physical act of signing.

ここに署名するだけでいいですか？ (Is it enough just to sign here?)

If you are discussing the act of signing as a conceptual task, you might use the particle 'o' (を). For instance, 'Shomei o motomeru' (to demand a signature). In formal writing, particularly in legal texts, you might encounter the passive form '署名される' (shomei sareru), meaning 'to be signed'. This is frequently used when discussing treaties or high-level agreements.

その条約は、来月両国によって署名される予定だ。 (The treaty is scheduled to be signed by both countries next month.)

Honorific Usage: In a business setting, when asking a client or superior to sign, you should use the polite 'kudasai' or the even more respectful 'o-shomei o onegai itashimasu'. This treats the act of signing as a dignified request. 'O-shomei' adds the honorific prefix 'o' to the noun form.

恐れ入りますが、こちらに御署名をお願いできますでしょうか。 (I am sorry to bother you, but could I please ask for your signature here?)

Furthermore, the potential form '署名できる' (shomei dekiru) is used when discussing eligibility, such as in voting or petitioning. For example, 'Jyu-hassai ijou nara shomei dekimasu' (If you are 18 or older, you can sign). This illustrates how the verb integrates into broader social and legal discussions.

代理人が代わりに署名することは認められていません。 (It is not permitted for a proxy to sign on your behalf.)

By mastering these patterns, you can use the word accurately in both casual requests and highly formal legal environments, ensuring your Japanese sounds natural and context-appropriate.

You will encounter 署名する in several specific real-world domains in Japan. The most common is the financial and administrative sector. When visiting a Japanese city hall (yakusho) to register your address or a bank to open an account, the staff will repeatedly use this term. They will point to a specific line on a form and say, 'Koko ni shomei o onegai shimasu.' This is a cue for you to write your full name as it appears on your official identification.

Political and Social Activism: Another major context is 'shomei undō' (signature campaigns). In Japan, grassroots movements often collect physical or digital signatures to petition the government. You might see activists outside train stations with clipboards shouting, 'Shomei ni go-kyoryoku kudasai!' (Please cooperate with our signature drive!). Hearing this word in public usually signals a civic or political action.

駅前で環境保護のための署名を集めていた。 (They were collecting signatures for environmental protection in front of the station.)

In the news, shomei is a staple word in international relations reporting. When heads of state meet to finalize an agreement, the news anchor will say, 'Ryou-shunou wa gousho ni shomei shimashita' (The two leaders signed the joint statement). This usage highlights the word's formal and historical weight.

Legal Dramas and Literature: If you watch Japanese legal dramas (like 'Hero' or '99.9 Criminal Lawyer'), you will hear this word during scenes involving evidence or confessions. A detective might push a document toward a suspect and say, 'Kore ni shomei shiro' (Sign this), using the imperative form to show authority. In literature, it often appears in scenes of dramatic commitment, such as signing a marriage license or a will.

彼は震える手で離婚届に署名した。 (He signed the divorce papers with a trembling hand.)

この署名は本人のものに間違いありません。 (There is no mistake that this signature belongs to the person themselves.)

Finally, in the workplace, 'shomei' is part of the 'ringi' (consensus-making) process. While seals are often used, digital workflows now frequently use 'denshi shomei' to track approvals. Understanding these various settings—from the street corner to the prime minister's office—gives you a comprehensive view of how this verb functions in Japanese society.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 署名する is using it in casual or artistic contexts where 'サインする' (sain suru) is the appropriate choice.

The 'Sain' vs. 'Shomei' Trap: If you meet your favorite Japanese author and ask them for a 'shomei', it sounds like you are asking them to sign a legal document or a petition. For autographs, always use 'sain'. Conversely, if you are at a bank and say you want to 'sain' the documents, they will understand you, but it sounds slightly unprofessional or overly casual.

❌ 有名人に署名をもらった。 (I got a signature [legal/official] from a celebrity.)
✅ 有名人にサインをもらった。 (I got an autograph from a celebrity.)

Another common error involves the misuse of particles. Learners often use 'o' (を) when 'ni' (に) is more natural for the physical location of the signature. While 'shomei o suru' (to do the signing) is grammatically correct, 'kono kami ni shomei suru' (to sign on this paper) is the standard way to describe the action.

Misunderstanding the Hanko Culture: Foreigners sometimes assume that 'shomei' is a complete replacement for a seal (hanko). In Japan, many official documents require both. If you only sign when the form asks for 'shomei-natsuin' (signature and seal), your document may be rejected. Always look for the '印' (in) mark next to the signature line.

❌ 印鑑がないので、署名だけで大丈夫です。 (I don't have a seal, so just a signature is fine. - *This is often false!*)

Potential Form Confusion: Sometimes learners use 'shomei shite mo ii desu ka' (May I sign?) when they mean 'Where should I sign?'. The correct way to ask for the location is 'Doko ni shomei sureba ii desu ka?'.

✅ どこに署名すればいいですか？ (Where should I sign?)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—especially the distinction between 'sain' and 'shomei'—you will navigate formal situations in Japan with much greater confidence and accuracy.

While 署名する is the standard term for signing, several other words share the same space, each with unique nuances.

サインする (Sain suru): The most common alternative. Derived from the English 'sign'. Used for: credit cards, autographs, casual notes, and sports memorabilia. It feels less heavy than 'shomei'.
記名する (Kimei suru): Literally 'to record a name'. This is used when the method doesn't matter. You can type your name, use a name stamp, or have someone else write it for you. It is often contrasted with 'shomei' on forms: 'Shomei matawa kimei-natsuin' (Signature OR printed name with seal).

契約書には署名が必要ですが、申込書は記名でも構いません。 (A signature is required for the contract, but a printed name is fine for the application.)

自署する (Jisho suru): A very formal term meaning 'to sign with one's own hand'. This is even more specific than 'shomei' and is used in legal contexts to emphasize that no proxy or stamp is allowed. You see this in high-stakes legal documents.
代筆する (Daihitsuru): The opposite of 'jisho'. It means to write on someone else's behalf. If someone cannot write due to illness, another person might 'daihitsuru' their name.

書類に署名し、印鑑を押印した。 (I signed the document and pressed my seal.)

揮毫する (Kigou suru): A very high-level term used for famous people or calligraphers who write a meaningful phrase or their name on a large canvas or board. This is 'signing' as an art form.

Choosing the right word depends entirely on the level of formality and the legal requirement of the situation. For most learners, distinguishing between 'sain' and 'shomei' is the most critical hurdle to clear.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, high-ranking samurai used a 'Kao', a stylized and artistic signature that looked more like a drawing than a name, to prevent forgery!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕo.meː.su.ɾu/

US /ʃoʊ.meɪ.suː.ruː/

Flat (Heiban) - the pitch remains relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Kimei (printed name) Seimei (life/statement) Shoumei (proof)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mei' as two separate English syllables 'may-ee' rather than a smooth Japanese long vowel.
Using a hard English 'R' for 'ru'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji for 'sho' (署) is slightly complex but common in official words.

Writing 4/5

Writing '署' requires attention to stroke order and the top 'radical'.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult clusters.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable in formal speech due to its distinct rhythm.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

名前 (name) 書く (to write) 書類 (document) 契約 (contract) ペン (pen)

Learn Next

捺印 (seal) 記名 (printed name) 条約 (treaty) 請願 (petition) 有効 (valid)

Advanced

筆跡鑑定 (handwriting analysis) 法的拘束力 (legal binding force) 批准 (ratification)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Group 3)

署名する (Present), 署名した (Past), 署名しない (Negative).

Polite Requests (Te-form + Kudasai)

ここに署名してください。

Passive Voice (Sareru)

条約が署名された。

Nominalization (No/Koto)

署名するのは大切です。

Purpose (No ni)

署名するのにペンが必要です。

Examples by Level

ここに名前を書いてください。

Please write your name here. (Using simple form)

Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

彼はペンで署名しました。

He signed with a pen.

Standard past polite form (mashita).

カードに署名します。

I will sign the card.

Future/habitual polite form.

署名を忘れないでください。

Please do not forget the signature.

Nai-form + de kudasai for negative requests.

これは私の署名です。

This is my signature.

Noun form (shomei) + desu.

署名が必要ですか？

Is a signature necessary?

Noun + ga hitsuyo desu ka.

ここに署名をお願いします。

Signature here, please.

Noun + o onegai shimasu (polite request).

お父さんが署名しました。

My father signed it.

Subject + ga + verb.

この書類に署名してください。

Please sign this document.

Particle 'ni' indicates where to sign.

署名する場所はどこですか？

Where is the place to sign?

Verb (dictionary form) + noun (basho).

銀行で署名しました。

I signed at the bank.

Particle 'de' indicates the location of the action.

黒いペンで署名してください。

Please sign with a black pen.

Particle 'de' indicates the instrument used.

署名するのを忘れました。

I forgot to sign.

Verb + no (nominalizer) + o wasuremashita.

もう一度署名してください。

Please sign one more time.

'Mou ichido' means 'once more'.

ここに署名すればいいですか？

Should I sign here?

Ba-form (conditional) + ii desu ka.

署名しなくてもいいですか？

Is it okay if I don't sign?

Nai-form + nakute mo ii desu ka.

契約書の内容を確認してから署名する。

I will sign after confirming the contents of the contract.

Te-form + kara (after doing X).

署名運動に参加しました。

I participated in a signature campaign.

Noun phrase 'shomei undō'.

デジタル署名の使い方がわかりません。

I don't know how to use digital signatures.

'Kata' (way of doing) added to the verb stem.

署名する前に、弁護士に相談した。

Before signing, I consulted a lawyer.

Verb (dictionary form) + mae ni.

全員が署名するまで待ちましょう。

Let's wait until everyone signs.

Verb (dictionary form) + made (until).

署名を拒否する権利があります。

You have the right to refuse to sign.

Verb + kenri (right).

この署名は本人のものですか？

Is this signature the person's own?

'Honnin no mono' (the person's own thing).

署名をもらうのに時間がかかった。

It took time to get the signature.

Verb + no ni (in order to / for the purpose of).

その条約は、昨日正式に署名された。

The treaty was officially signed yesterday.

Passive form (shomei sareru).

署名捺印の上、ご返送ください。

Please sign and seal, then send it back.

'Noun + no ue' (after doing/upon doing).

署名の信憑性が疑われている。

The authenticity of the signature is being questioned.

Passive voice (utagawarete iru).

彼は請願書に署名することをためらった。

He hesitated to sign the petition.

Verb + koto (nominalizer) + o tamerau.

法的に有効な署名が必要です。

A legally valid signature is required.

'Hou-teki ni yuukou na' (legally valid).

署名によって、契約が成立する。

By signing, the contract is finalized.

'Ni yotte' (by means of).

未成年者は保護者の署名が必要です。

Minors require a guardian's signature.

'Hogosha' (guardian).

署名欄が足りなくなった。

There weren't enough signature columns.

'Ran' (column/section) + tarinaku naru.

電子署名法の改正により、手続きが簡略化された。

Due to the revision of the Digital Signature Act, procedures were simplified.

'Ni yori' (due to/because of).

署名の偽造は、重大な犯罪と見なされる。

Forgery of a signature is considered a serious crime.

'To minasareru' (is considered to be).

彼は自署することを強く求められた。

He was strongly requested to sign in his own hand.

'Jisho' (handwritten signature) used as a noun.

条約の署名式が、厳かな雰囲気の中で行われた。

The treaty signing ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere.

'Naka de okonawareta' (held within).

署名権限を持つ役員が不在です。

The executive with signing authority is absent.

'Kengen' (authority).

筆跡鑑定によって署名の真偽を確かめる。

Verify the authenticity of the signature through handwriting analysis.

'Shin-gi' (authenticity/truth or falsehood).

署名撤回の申し出は受理されなかった。

The request to withdraw the signature was not accepted.

'Tekkai' (withdrawal/revocation).

この文書には複数の署名が混在している。

Multiple signatures are mixed in this document.

'Konzai shite iru' (to coexist/be mixed).

署名という行為が持つ法的拘束力について論じる。

Discuss the legal binding force that the act of signing possesses.

'To iu koui' (the act called...).

歴史的な文書における署名の変遷を研究する。

Research the transition of signatures in historical documents.

'Hensen' (transition/change).

署名なき合意は、法廷では認められない。

An agreement without a signature is not recognized in court.

'Naki' (archaic/formal version of 'nai').

批准に先立ち、全権大使が署名を行った。

Prior to ratification, the plenipotentiary ambassador performed the signing.

'Ni sakidachi' (prior to).

署名の筆致から、当時の緊張感が伝わってくる。

The tension of the time is conveyed through the style of the signature.

'Hitchi' (brush stroke/style).

デジタル署名の暗号学的安全性について検証する。

Verify the cryptographic security of digital signatures.

'Angou-gaku-teki' (cryptographic).

署名が強要された場合、その契約は無効となる。

If a signature is coerced, the contract becomes void.

'Kyouou sareru' (to be coerced).

署名欄の微細な加工が、偽造の証拠となった。

Minute alterations in the signature section became evidence of forgery.

'Bisai na kakou' (minute processing/alteration).

Synonyms

サインする記名する自署する執筆する書き込む記す認める署名捺印する

Antonyms

無記名匿名撤回する抹消する

Common Collocations

契約書に署名する

署名を集める

署名を求める

電子署名

直筆の署名

署名欄

共同署名

署名運動

署名を拒否する

署名式

Common Phrases

署名をお願いします

— Please sign here. Standard polite request in offices.

こちらの書類に署名をお願いします。

署名済み

— Already signed. Used for status updates on documents.

その書類は署名済みです。

署名が必要

— Signature required. Common on forms and notices.

この手続きには署名が必要です。

署名をもらう

— To get a signature. Neutral usage.

上司から署名をもらってきてください。

署名を偽造する

— To forge a signature. Used in legal/crime contexts.

彼は他人の署名を偽造した。

署名を確認する

— To verify a signature.

銀行員が署名を確認している。

署名を求める

— To ask for/demand a signature.

反対派は知事に署名を求めた。

署名に協力する

— To cooperate with a signature drive.

多くの人が署名に協力してくれた。

署名が漏れる

— To miss a signature (accidental omission).

一箇所、署名が漏れています。

署名を行う

— To perform the act of signing (formal).

本日、調印式で署名が行われます。

Often Confused With

署名する vs サインする

Used for autographs and casual settings. Shomei is for official business.

署名する vs 記名する

Can be a printed name. Shomei must be handwritten.

署名する vs 証明する

Sounds similar (shoumei) but means 'to prove'.

Idioms & Expressions

"署名運動"

— A movement to collect signatures for a specific cause.

道路建設中止を求める署名運動が始まった。

Social/Political

"署名捺印"

— The dual act of signing and sealing, required for high-level Japanese documents.

重要書類には署名捺印が必要です。

Legal

"電子署名"

— A digital equivalent of a handwritten signature.

電子署名のセキュリティは非常に高い。

Technical

"署名狂"

— Someone obsessed with getting autographs (rare, slightly derogatory).

彼は有名な署名狂だ。

Slang

"代筆署名"

— Signing on behalf of another person.

病気のため、妻が代筆署名した。

Formal

"連名で署名する"

— To sign jointly with others.

理事会が連名で署名した。

Formal

"署名欄の空欄"

— An empty signature space, often implying a lack of consent.

署名欄の空欄が彼の迷いを示していた。

Literary

"署名を添える"

— To add a signature (often to a letter or gift).

手紙に直筆の署名を添えた。

Polite

"署名を強いる"

— To force someone to sign.

独裁者は国民に署名を強いた。

Political

"署名を盾にする"

— To use a signed agreement as a defense (metaphorical).

彼は契約の署名を盾にして反論した。

General

Easily Confused

署名する vs 証明する (shoumei suru)

Similar pronunciation.

Shomei (署名) is to sign; Shoumei (証明) is to prove or verify. Note the long 'o' in Shoumei.

無実を証明する (Prove innocence) vs 署名する (Sign).

署名する vs 記名する (kimei suru)

Both involve writing a name.

Kimei is just recording a name (can be typed); Shomei is a handwritten signature.

記名捺印 (Printed name and seal).

署名する vs 執筆する (shippitsu suru)

Both involve writing.

Shippitsu is for writing books/articles; Shomei is for names on documents.

小説を執筆する (Write a novel).

署名する vs 命名する (meimei suru)

Both contain the 'name' kanji.

Meimei is to name something (like a baby); Shomei is to sign your name.

赤ちゃんを命名する (Name a baby).

署名する vs 匿名 (tokumei)

Relates to names on documents.

Tokumei is anonymity; Shomei is providing your name.

匿名で寄付する (Donate anonymously).

Sentence Patterns

[Document] に [Name] を書きます。

かみになまえをかきます。

[Document] に署名してください。

このかみにしょめいしてください。

[Document] に署名する前に、[Action]。

けいやくしょにしょめいするまえに、よみます。

[Action] ために署名を集める。

みちをつくらないためにしょめいをあつめる。

[Document] は [Person] によって署名された。

じょうやくはだいとうりょうによってしょめいされた。

署名する権利がある。

だれにでもしょめいするけんりがある。

署名の真偽を確かめる。

しょめいのしんぎをたしかめる。

署名なき [Noun] は無効である。

しょめいなきけいやくはむこうである。

Word Family

Nouns

署名 (shomei - signature)

署名者 (shomeisha - signer)

署名簿 (shomeibo - signature book)

Verbs

署名する (shomei suru - to sign)

Adjectives

署名入りの (shomei-iri no - signed/autographed)

署 (sho - office)

名 (mei - name)

サイン (sain)

印鑑 (inkan)

調印 (chouin)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in adult daily life and news, rare in children's media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shomei' for autographs. → サイン (sain)
'Shomei' is for legal/official documents. 'Sain' is for fans and casual use.
Using 'o' for the document. → 書類に署名する
'Ni' is used to indicate the surface you are writing on.
Thinking 'shomei' replaces 'hanko' everywhere. → 署名捺印 (shomei natsuin)
Many documents still require both. Don't assume a signature is enough.
Mispronouncing as 'shoumei'. → 署名 (shomei)
'Shoumei' (long o) means proof or light. Keep the 'o' short in 'shomei'.
Using 'shomei' for printing a name. → 記名 (kimei)
If you type or stamp your name, it is 'kimei', not 'shomei'.

Tips

Bank Context

When at a bank, they will ask for 'shomei'. Make sure it matches the signature you used when you opened the account exactly.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for the paper/document you sign. Use 'o' for the signature itself as an object.

Hanko First

Even if you sign, many clerks will still look for a seal. It's good to carry a 'Mitome-in' (casual seal) just in case.

Kanji Tip

The kanji 署 has 13 strokes. Practice the top 'net' radical carefully to make it look professional.

Autographs

If you are a fan, say 'Sain o kudasai!' (Please give me your autograph). Never use 'shomei' here.

Digital Age

Learn the term 'denshi shomei' if you work in tech or office environments in Japan; it's the future of the 'hanko' culture.

Read First

Always say 'Yonde kara shomei shimasu' (I will sign after reading) if you need more time with a contract.

Honorifics

Use 'Go-shomei' when referring to a customer's or boss's signature to show respect.

Petitions

If you see a signature drive, you can say 'Shomei shite mo ii desu ka?' to offer your support.

Pen Type

Official signatures in Japan should almost always be in black ink. Avoid blue or pencil unless told otherwise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHO'ing your 'MEI' (name) to the 'SURU' (official). You 'Show' your 'Name' to sign!

Visual Association

Imagine a golden pen writing on a thick, official scroll. The ink is dark and permanent.

Word Web

Signature Contract Bank Pen Name Official Identity Agreement

Challenge

Try to sign your name in Katakana and say 'Shomei shimashita' every time you finish a task today.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. '署' (Sino-Japanese reading: sho) originally referred to a public office or to arrange/write. '名' (mei) refers to a name or reputation.

Original meaning: To write one's name in an official capacity.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'shomei' with 'sain' when asking for autographs, as 'shomei' sounds overly bureaucratic.

In the West, a signature is the primary legal identifier. In Japan, it is often secondary to the seal.

The Treaty of San Francisco (signed/shomei by many nations) Digital Signature Act of Japan

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Bank

署名をお願いします (Please sign)
ここに署名すればいいですか？ (Should I sign here?)
署名が違います (The signature is different)
もう一度署名してください (Please sign again)

At a Protest

署名運動にご協力ください (Please help our signature drive)
署名を集めています (We are collecting signatures)
どこで署名できますか？ (Where can I sign?)
署名しました (I signed)

Business Meeting

契約書に署名する (Sign the contract)
署名権限があります (I have signing authority)
電子署名で送ります (I will send it via digital signature)
署名を確認しました (Confirmed the signature)

Real Estate

署名捺印が必要です (Sign and seal is required)
こちらに自署してください (Please sign this in your own hand)
署名欄を確認してください (Check the signature column)
代理の署名は不可です (Proxy signature is not allowed)

At a Hotel

レジストレーションカードに署名する (Sign the registration card)
お名前の署名をお願いします (Please sign your name)
署名は漢字でいいですか？ (Is a signature in Kanji okay?)
パスポートと同じ署名 (Signature same as passport)

Conversation Starters

"すみません、ここに署名をお願いできますか？ (Excuse me, could I get your signature here?)"

"この署名運動の目的は何ですか？ (What is the purpose of this signature campaign?)"

"電子署名と手書きの署名、どちらがいいですか？ (Which is better, a digital signature or a handwritten one?)"

"署名する前に内容を説明していただけますか？ (Could you explain the contents before I sign?)"

"日本で署名する時は、いつも緊張します。 (I always get nervous when signing in Japan.)"

Journal Prompts

今日、初めて日本の銀行で署名しました。 (Today, I signed at a Japanese bank for the first time.)

署名運動に参加したことがありますか？ (Have you ever participated in a signature campaign?)

電子署名のメリットとデメリットについて書いてください。 (Write about the pros and cons of digital signatures.)

大切な契約書に署名する時、どんな気持ちになりますか？ (How do you feel when signing an important contract?)

ハンコと署名、どちらが便利だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more convenient, a seal or a signature?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. For a celebrity autograph, always use 'sain' (サイン). 'Shomei' is for documents.

Often, no. Many formal documents require both a signature (shomei) and a seal (hanko/inkan). Look for the '印' mark.

It means 'digital signature'. It is increasingly common for online contracts and business emails in Japan.

You should say 'Doko ni shomei sureba ii desu ka?' (どこに署名すればいいですか？).

Not necessarily. For foreigners, a signature in cursive or Katakana is usually accepted, as long as it matches your ID.

It is a signature campaign or petition where people collect names to support a specific cause or change a law.

It is both. 'Shomei' is the noun (signature), and 'shomei suru' is the verb (to sign).

'Jisho' is a more formal legal term that specifically emphasizes that the person wrote it themselves.

Generally, no. Signing for someone else is 'daihitsuru' (代筆する) and often requires a power of attorney.

The kanji '署' refers to an official station or office. 'Shomei' literally means putting your name on an official record.