In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say 'to sign' a document or receipt.
- Combines 'to sign' and 'character' into one simple verb.
- Used in banks, offices, and when receiving delivery packages.
Meaning
This is the standard way to say 'to sign' or 'to put your signature' on something. It is that official moment when you put pen to paper to make things real.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a bank
请在这里签字。
Please sign here.
Receiving a package
快递员让我签字。
The delivery guy asked me to sign.
Buying a house
我们终于在合同上签字了！
We finally signed the contract!
Cultural Background
While Westerners value the unique script of a signature, Chinese culture traditionally prioritized the 'seal' (yinzhang). Today, 'qianzi' is the modern standard for personal legal consent, though the aesthetic of one's signature is still seen as a reflection of their character.
The 'Name' vs 'Sign' distinction
If you want to ask for a celebrity's autograph, use `签名` (qiānmíng) instead of `签字`. It sounds more like you value the name itself.
The Power of the Red Stamp
In China, a signature is often not enough for business. Always look for the 'Gongzhang' (company seal) to make a document truly official.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say 'to sign' a document or receipt.
- Combines 'to sign' and 'character' into one simple verb.
- Used in banks, offices, and when receiving delivery packages.
What It Means
签字 is a simple verb-object construction. 签 means to sign or write. 字 means characters or words. Together, they mean the act of signing your name. It is the most common way to talk about signatures in daily life.
How To Use It
You use 签字 when you need someone to authorize a document. You can say 请在这里签字. This means 'Please sign here.' It is very direct. You can also use it as a noun. For example, 你的签字很漂亮 means 'Your signature is beautiful.' Just remember it usually refers to the act itself.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a pen meets paper. Use it at the bank when opening an account. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter brings the bill. Use it at work for contracts. It is also common when receiving a package from a delivery driver. If you are a celebrity, fans might ask for your 签字, though they usually say 签名 for autographs.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for digital passwords. That is a different concept. Avoid using it for 'signing up' for a newsletter. For that, use 注册. Also, if you are just writing a letter, don't say you are 签字 the letter. That sounds like you are a boss approving a memo. It is too formal for a love letter. Save it for things that feel official.
Cultural Background
In China, the red seal or 'chop' used to be more important than a signature. Today, signatures are standard for individuals. However, for companies, a red stamp is still more powerful than a 签字. If you sign a contract in China, they will likely ask for both your signature and a stamp. It is like a double layer of 'I really mean this.'
Common Variations
You will often hear 签名. This is almost identical but feels slightly more like the 'name' itself. 签收 is what you do when the mail arrives. You sign to show you received it. If you are in a rush, someone might say 签个名. This sounds much more relaxed and friendly. It is the 'hey, just jot your name down' version.
Usage Notes
Use `签字` as a general-purpose verb for signing. It is safe for almost all situations from the post office to the boardroom. Avoid it only for very informal 'signing' of a casual card where just writing your name is enough.
The 'Name' vs 'Sign' distinction
If you want to ask for a celebrity's autograph, use `签名` (qiānmíng) instead of `签字`. It sounds more like you value the name itself.
The Power of the Red Stamp
In China, a signature is often not enough for business. Always look for the 'Gongzhang' (company seal) to make a document truly official.
Don't 'Sign' an Email
To 'sign' an email or a letter, we usually just use `署名` (shǔmíng) or just write our name. `签字` implies a physical or formal digital signature.
Examples
6请在这里签字。
Please sign here.
The most common phrase you will hear in a professional setting.
快递员让我签字。
The delivery guy asked me to sign.
Used for the routine act of acknowledging a delivery.
我们终于在合同上签字了！
We finally signed the contract!
Expresses a sense of completion and official agreement.
这是你的签字吗？我看像小鸡在跳舞。
Is this your signature? It looks like a chicken dancing.
A lighthearted way to comment on someone's illegible writing.
经理还没签字，所以我们不能开始。
The manager hasn't signed yet, so we can't start.
Shows the signature as a form of necessary authorization.
文件发你了，记得签字。
Sent the file, remember to sign.
Short and direct for a digital or physical task.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence at the office.
老板，请在这份文件上___。
`签字` specifically means to sign for authorization, whereas `写字` is just writing and `打字` is typing.
You just finished a meal and the waiter brings the bill.
我可以在这张发票上___吗？
You sign (`签字`) a receipt or invoice to confirm payment.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Signing
Jotting a name for a friend
签个名
Standard daily use
签字
Legal or high-level business
签署
Where to use 签字
Bank
Opening an account
Home
Receiving a package
Office
Approving a report
Restaurant
Paying with credit card
Practice Bank
2 exercises老板，请在这份文件上___。
`签字` specifically means to sign for authorization, whereas `写字` is just writing and `打字` is typing.
我可以在这张发票上___吗？
You sign (`签字`) a receipt or invoice to confirm payment.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questions签字 is usually the verb 'to sign,' while 签名 can be both the verb and the noun 'signature.' Use 签名 for autographs and 签字 for paperwork.
Yes, you can use it for clicking a digital 'sign here' button or using a stylus on a tablet. You would say 电子签字 for 'electronic signature.'
It is neutral. It is perfectly fine to use with your boss or with a delivery person. It is not overly stiff.
You can say 请在这里签字 (Please sign here). It is the most natural way to ask.
Use 签名. For example, 我想要你的签名 (I want your autograph). 签字 sounds too much like a bank transaction for a fan to say.
Yes, you can say 这是我的签字 (This is my signature). However, 签名 is slightly more common as a noun.
The word 签署 (qiānshǔ) is the most formal. It is used for international treaties or major corporate mergers.
If you are a foreigner, you can sign your name in your native script. Chinese people will still call this act 签字.
Not really slang, but people often say 签个字 (sign a character) to make the request sound smaller and less burdensome.
It means 'to sign for receipt.' You use this specifically when you receive a package or a letter and sign to prove you got it.
Absolutely. When the waiter brings the slip, they might say 请签字.
Related Phrases
签名
Signature / To sign one's name
签署
To sign (formal/official documents)
签收
To sign for a delivery
盖章
To stamp with a seal
