In 15 Seconds
- Used for both legal signatures and celebrity autographs.
- Combines 'sign' (签) and 'name' (名).
- Works as both a noun and a verb in daily life.
Meaning
It simply means to write your name on something, like a document or a fan's poster. It covers both a legal signature and a celebrity's autograph.
Key Examples
3 of 6Receiving a package
请在这里签名。
Please sign here.
Meeting a famous author
您可以给我签个名吗？
Could you give me an autograph?
Signing a contract
合同需要你的签名。
The contract needs your signature.
Cultural Background
The 'Official Seal' ({公章|gōngzhāng}) is often more important than a signature for business. A contract without a red stamp might not be honored. Fans often ask for {签名|qiānmíng} on specific items like 'signature boards' ({签名板|qiānmíng bǎn}) or photos. A person's signature is often seen as a reflection of their character. Many people practice 'artistic signatures' ({艺术签名|yìshù qiānmíng}). In the past, people who couldn't write would use a thumbprint ({画押|huàyā}) instead of a signature.
The Separable Trick
Use {签个名|qiān ge míng} to sound much more like a native speaker in casual situations.
Don't just write
In China, a signature alone might not be enough for business; always ask if a 'seal' ({公章|gōngzhāng}) is needed.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for both legal signatures and celebrity autographs.
- Combines 'sign' (签) and 'name' (名).
- Works as both a noun and a verb in daily life.
What It Means
签名 is your go-to word for putting pen to paper. It literally means to 'sign' (签) your 'name' (名). Whether you are finalizing a house contract or meeting your favorite C-pop idol, this is the word you need. It is versatile, clear, and used every single day.
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun or a verb. If you want someone's autograph, you ask for a 签名. If a delivery driver hands you a package, they will say 'Please sign here' (请在这里签名). It is a very 'doing' word. You don't need fancy grammar to make it work. Just pair it with a person or a place.
When To Use It
Use it at the bank when opening an account. Use it at a book launch for an author. Use it when you are receiving a package from Meituan or SF Express. It is perfect for professional settings like office meetings. It also works when you are just joking with friends about being famous. If you are at a wedding, you will likely 签名 on a big red scroll.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are just writing your name on a test paper. For schoolwork, use 写名字 (write name) instead. 签名 implies a level of official confirmation or a special keepsake. Also, don't use it for digital passwords or 'signing in' to a website. For that, use 登录. It is mostly for physical or digital ink signatures.
Cultural Background
In the past, Chinese people used personal seals called 印章 (yìnzhāng) instead of signatures. These red ink stamps were the only way to prove your identity. Today, while seals are still used for big business, 签名 has become the standard for modern life. It represents the shift toward individual identity in China. Even so, many people still try to make their 签名 look like a complex, artistic seal!
Common Variations
If you are talking about a celebrity's autograph, you might hear 亲笔签名. This means 'signed by their own hand.' It adds a layer of authenticity. In very formal legal contexts, you might hear 签字. It is slightly more 'official' sounding than 签名. But for 90% of your life, 签名 is the winner.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that in social media contexts, it can also refer to your 'status' or 'bio' line.
The Separable Trick
Use {签个名|qiān ge míng} to sound much more like a native speaker in casual situations.
Don't just write
In China, a signature alone might not be enough for business; always ask if a 'seal' ({公章|gōngzhāng}) is needed.
Artistic Signatures
Many Chinese people have a 'fast' signature that looks like a single stroke. Don't worry if you can't read it!
Red Ink
Never sign your name in red ink. In Chinese culture, writing names in red is traditionally associated with the deceased or criminals.
Examples
6请在这里签名。
Please sign here.
A standard request from delivery personnel.
您可以给我签个名吗？
Could you give me an autograph?
Adding '个' makes the request sound more natural and polite.
合同需要你的签名。
The contract needs your signature.
Used here as a noun referring to the physical mark.
大老板，给我签个名吧！
Big boss, give me an autograph!
A playful way to tease a friend about their success.
这是我偶像的亲笔签名。
This is my idol's personal autograph.
Using '亲笔' emphasizes that it is authentic.
这里没签名，不能用。
There is no signature here, so it can't be used.
Explaining a logical requirement in a neutral tone.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {签名|qiānmíng}.
{请|qǐng}{在|zài}{合同|hétong}{最后|zuìhòu}{一|yī}{页|yè}_______。
In a formal contract context, {签名|qiānmíng} is the correct verb.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a celebrity for an autograph?
How do you ask for an autograph?
The separable form {签个名|qiān ge míng} is the most natural and polite way to ask.
Match the situation with the correct phrase.
Situations and Phrases
All these are common collocations for their respective situations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {这|zhè}{是|shì}{你|nǐ}{的|de}快递。 B: {好|hǎo}的，{我|wǒ}需要_______吗？
{签名|qiānmíng} is the standard response for receiving a delivery.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{请|qǐng}{在|zài}{合同|hétong}{最后|zuìhòu}{一|yī}{页|yè}_______。
In a formal contract context, {签名|qiānmíng} is the correct verb.
How do you ask for an autograph?
The separable form {签个名|qiān ge míng} is the most natural and polite way to ask.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these are common collocations for their respective situations.
A: {这|zhè}{是|shì}{你|nǐ}{的|de}快递。 B: {好|hǎo}的，{我|wǒ}需要_______吗？
{签名|qiānmíng} is the standard response for receiving a delivery.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is called an {邮件签名|yóujiàn qiānmíng}.
{签名|qiānmíng} emphasizes the 'name,' while {签字|qiānzì} emphasizes the 'act of writing.' {签字|qiānzì} is slightly more formal.
For official documents in China, it's best to sign in Chinese characters if you have a Chinese name, but Pinyin is usually accepted for foreigners.
Say: '{麻烦|máfan}{您|nín}{给|gěi}{我|wǒ}{签个名|qiān ge míng}{好吗|hǎo ma}？'
No, zodiac sign is {星座|xīngzuò}.
Yes, e.g., '{这是|zhè shì}{我|wǒ}{的|de}{签名|qiānmíng}' (This is my signature).
Black or blue is standard. Avoid red at all costs.
Yes, {电子签名|diànzǐ qiānmíng} is legally recognized under the Electronic Signature Law of China.
It's a {签名墙|qiānmíng qiáng}, often found at weddings or gala events.
Usually, we use {招牌|zhāopai} or {品牌|pǐnpái} for brands.
It means 'to sign and receive,' used for packages.
Not really, but people might say 'qiān yíge' (sign one).
It is {伪造签名|wěizào qiānmíng}.
It's called {草书|cǎoshū} (cursive) style, meant to be fast and hard to forge.
Related Phrases
{签字|qiānzì}
synonymTo sign characters
{签收|qiānshōu}
specialized formTo sign for receipt
{署名|shǔmíng}
formalTo put one's name on a work
{代签|dàiqiān}
builds onTo sign on someone's behalf
{签到|qiāndào}
similarTo check in
{落款|luòkuǎn}
specialized formCalligraphic signature
