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B1 verb #6,000 most common 11 min read

签约

qianyue Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 签约 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 签约 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 签约 (qiānyuē) as a very important way of saying 'sign.' While you might first learn the word 'sign' for simple things like writing your name, 签约 is for 'big deals.' Imagine you are buying a new toy or a house—you need to sign a paper to make it yours. In A1, you don't need to know all the legal details. Just remember that '签' (qiān) looks like a pen or a bamboo stick (which people used to write on), and '约' (yuē) is like a promise. So, 签约 is a 'written promise.' You might hear it when someone gets a new job. For example, 'He signed (签约) with the company.' It is a formal action. You should use it when you want to sound serious about an agreement. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand business news or sports news on TV. When you see a famous soccer player holding a jersey with a new team, they have just '签约.' It is a moment of starting something new and official. Don't worry about the grammar too much yet; just see it as a single action word for 'signing a big paper.'

At the A2 level, you should start to distinguish 签约 (qiānyuē) from simpler words like 签字 (qiānzì). While 签字 is just the physical act of writing your name on any paper (like a delivery receipt), 签约 is specifically for contracts. You will use this word when talking about work, renting an apartment, or professional services. For example, when you rent a room, the landlord will ask you to '签约.' In A2 sentences, you can use the pattern 'A 与 B 签约' (A signs with B). This '与' (yǔ) is a formal way to say 'with.' You might also see '签约仪式' (qiānyuē yíshì), which means 'signing ceremony.' Even if it's just two people in a small office, it's still a 签约. It's important to know that this word is a verb, but it can also act like a noun. If you say '签约很顺利' (The signing went smoothly), you are using it as a noun. As an A2 learner, focus on using it in the context of 'joining' or 'agreeing' to something formal. It’s a step up from just 'agreeing' (同意) because it involves a document. If you '同意' to go to dinner, that's fine. But if you '签约' to work for a company, that's a legal commitment.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 签约 (qiānyuē) in professional and semi-formal discussions. You should understand its 'intransitive' nature, meaning you usually don't put '合同' (contract) right after it. Instead of saying '签约合同,' you should say '签署合同' or simply '签约.' This is a key distinction for intermediate learners. You will encounter 签约 in more complex contexts, such as '签约艺人' (signed artist) or '签约球员' (signed player). Here, 签约 acts as an adjective to describe someone's status. It means they are under a formal contract. You should also be able to use it with adverbs that describe the process, such as '正式签约' (officially sign) or '成功签约' (successfully sign). In a B1 conversation, you might discuss the terms of a contract before the 签约 happens. For example, 'Before we sign (签约), we need to check the price.' This word is very common in the 'Job Hunting' and 'Business' HSK themes. It marks the transition from being a candidate to being an employee. It also appears in real estate contexts. When you move beyond 'looking at houses' to 'buying a house,' the 签约 stage is the point of no return. Understanding this word helps you navigate formal life in a Chinese-speaking environment.

At the B2 level, 签约 (qiānyuē) should be part of your active professional vocabulary. You should be comfortable using it in business negotiations and legal contexts. You will understand the nuances between 签约 and related terms like '订立' (dìnglì - to establish/conclude) or '履行' (lǚxíng - to fulfill/perform). For a B2 learner, 签约 is not just about the act of signing, but about the whole process of finalizing a deal. You might use it in sentences like '双方在平等互利的基础上完成了签约' (Both parties completed the signing on the basis of equality and mutual benefit). This shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication. You should also recognize the word in the context of '电子签约' (electronic signing) and the legal validity of such actions in modern China. B2 learners should also be aware of the 'signing ceremony' (签约仪式) etiquette in Chinese culture, where the exchange of contracts is a highly choreographed event. You might be asked to draft a '签约公告' (signing announcement) for a company website. At this level, you should also be able to discuss the consequences of 签约, such as the 'binding power' (约束力) of the agreement. If a party fails to follow the contract after 签约, they are '违约' (wéiyuē). Being able to link these concepts shows you have a firm grasp of the word's place in the legal and business lexicon.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 签约 (qiānyuē) should include its strategic and legal implications in high-level discourse. You will see this word used in international relations, such as when countries sign major trade agreements or environmental treaties. You should be able to analyze the '签约背景' (background of the signing) and the '签约意义' (significance of the signing). At this level, you are not just using the word to describe an action; you are using it to discuss themes of cooperation, legal frameworks, and corporate strategy. You might encounter the term in academic papers or legal journals discussing '签约主体的资格' (the eligibility of the signing parties). You should also be familiar with the various types of contracts that can be 'signed,' such as '独家签约' (exclusive signing), which is common in the entertainment and publishing industries. This implies a high level of restriction and commitment. In C1 writing, you might use 签约 to describe the culmination of years of diplomatic or commercial effort. For example, '经过十年的艰苦谈判，双方终于迎来了签约的时刻' (After ten years of arduous negotiations, both parties finally ushered in the moment of signing). You should also be able to distinguish the subtle differences in tone between 签约 and '签署,' using the latter when the focus is strictly on the formal execution of a document by a high-ranking official.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 签约 (qiānyuē), including its use in the most formal, legal, and literary contexts. You understand the historical evolution of the characters—how '签' evolved from bamboo slips used for identification and '约' from the binding of silk threads to represent a bond. You can use the word in complex legal arguments, such as discussing the '签约时的意思表示' (the expression of intent at the time of signing) and how it affects the validity of a contract under the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China. You are comfortable with 签约 in the context of large-scale mergers and acquisitions (M&A), where the '签约' is just one milestone in a complex '交割' (closing) process. You can appreciate the nuances of 签约 in literature, where it might be used metaphorically to describe a 'contract with fate' or a deep, unbreakable personal commitment. At this level, you can also navigate the '签约仪式' with perfect cultural fluency, understanding the subtle power dynamics represented by who signs first, the color of the ink used, and the seating arrangements. You might even use the term in discussions about '智能合约' (smart contracts) and how '签约' is being redefined by blockchain technology. Your command of the word is such that you can use it to explain complex legal theories or to draft ironclad professional agreements that leave no room for ambiguity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

签约 in 30 Seconds

签约 (qiānyuē) is a formal verb meaning 'to sign a contract,' used in business, sports, and legal settings to finalize a binding agreement between parties.
It is a compound of 签 (sign) and 约 (agreement). It is more formal than 签字 and implies a legal commitment rather than just writing a name.
Commonly used in phrases like '签约仪式' (signing ceremony) and '签约球员' (signed player). It usually does not take '合同' (contract) as a direct object.
In modern contexts, it includes electronic signing (电子签约) and is a critical step in employment, real estate, and corporate mergers and acquisitions.

The Chinese term 签约 (qiānyuē) is a formal and essential verb in the world of business, law, sports, and entertainment. At its core, it translates to "to sign a contract" or "to enter into a formal agreement." It is a compound word consisting of 签 (qiān), which means to sign or write, and 约 (yuē), which refers to an agreement, appointment, or treaty. Together, they represent the official act of binding two or more parties to a set of conditions. This word is not typically used for signing a simple letter or a casual birthday card; it carries the weight of legal or professional obligation. When you hear this word, you should immediately think of a formal setting where documents are being finalized, often accompanied by a ceremony or a significant professional milestone.

Business Context: In the corporate world, 签约 is the final step of a negotiation. It is used when two companies agree to a merger, when a vendor is hired by a large corporation, or when a new employee officially joins a firm. The term implies that the period of discussion has ended and the period of execution has begun.

两家公司将于明天正式签约，达成战略合作伙伴关系。

Translation: The two companies will officially sign a contract tomorrow to reach a strategic partnership.

Entertainment and Sports: This word is extremely common in news headlines regarding celebrities and athletes. When a singer joins a record label or a basketball player joins a new team, the media uses 签约. It signifies the start of a professional relationship where the individual's talents are legally managed by an entity.

这位著名的足球明星终于与新俱乐部签约了。

Translation: This famous soccer star has finally signed with the new club.

In modern China, 签约 has evolved with technology. We now see 电子签约 (diànzǐ qiānyuē) or electronic signing, which is becoming the standard for internet-based services and remote work. Despite the change in medium from paper to digital, the gravity of the word remains the same. It indicates a transition from potential to reality. For instance, in real estate, 签约 marks the moment a buyer is legally committed to the property, moving beyond a mere deposit or verbal interest. The cultural nuance of 签约 often involves a 'Signing Ceremony' (签约仪式), which is a display of mutual respect and a public declaration of trust between the involved parties.

我们在签约之前，必须仔细审查所有的条款。

Translation: We must carefully review all terms before signing the contract.

Legal Implications: Using 签约 implies that the agreement is legally binding. If someone breaks the terms after 签约, they are said to be 违约 (wéiyuē), or in breach of contract. Therefore, the act of 签约 is treated with great caution and often requires the presence of legal counsel or witnesses to ensure everything is above board.

由于双方在细节上无法达成一致，签约仪式被推迟了。

Translation: Because both parties could not reach an agreement on details, the signing ceremony was postponed.

他们已经完成了所有的谈判，准备在下周签约。

Translation: They have completed all negotiations and are ready to sign the contract next week.

Using 签约 correctly requires understanding its role as a verb that often describes a formal event. It can function as a simple verb, a noun (in the sense of 'the signing'), or as part of a compound. Here we will explore the various syntactical structures where 签约 appears most frequently in standard Chinese. Because it is a formal word, it often pairs with adverbs like 'officially' (正式) or 'successfully' (成功).

Subject + 签约: The most basic use is stating that a person or entity is signing. For example, 'The company is signing.' However, it is more common to specify who they are signing with using the preposition '与' (yǔ) or '跟' (gēn).

新员工已经在入职前完成了签约手续。

Translation: The new employee has completed the signing procedures before starting work.

A 与 B 签约: This is the standard formula for describing a contract between two parties. 'A signs a contract with B.' This is used in business news and legal documents to clarify the participants of the agreement.

我们公司决定与这家供应商签约，为期三年。

Translation: Our company decided to sign a contract with this supplier for a period of three years.

Another common usage is as an adjective to describe someone who has already signed. For example, a 'signed artist' is a 签约艺人 (qiānyuē yìrén). This indicates a status of being under contract. This structure is very productive in professional contexts. You might see 签约球员 (qiānyuē qiúyuán) for a signed player or 签约单位 (qiānyuē dānwèi) for a contracting entity. It defines the relationship as formal and legal rather than casual or freelance.

他是我们的签约作者，所有的版权都属于公司。

Translation: He is our signed author; all copyrights belong to the company.

Time and Location of Signing: Because 签约 is an event, it is often paired with time and place markers. Sentences like 'We signed at the hotel' or 'We signed at 10 AM' are common. This helps in documenting the timeline of a deal.

双方代表在上海正式签约。

Translation: Representatives of both parties officially signed the contract in Shanghai.

这次项目的签约非常顺利，大家都感到很欣慰。

Translation: The signing for this project went very smoothly, and everyone feels very relieved.

In daily life in China or in Chinese-speaking communities, 签约 is a word that rings with the sound of progress and achievement. You will hear it in various high-stakes environments. One of the most common places is on the evening news, specifically the financial or sports segments. When a massive infrastructure project is launched, the news anchor will report on the 签约仪式 (signing ceremony). This provides a sense of legitimacy and official start to the public.

In the Workplace: If you work in a Chinese office, you'll hear your colleagues talking about 'signing' a new client. They might say '我们终于签约了!' (We finally signed!) as a way of celebrating a hard-won deal. It is a moment of relief after weeks of negotiation.

经理在会议上宣布，我们已经和那家大公司签约了。

Translation: The manager announced at the meeting that we have already signed with that big company.

On Social Media and Entertainment News: Platforms like Weibo are full of '签约' announcements. Fans of 'idols' or streamers (网红) often track which agency their favorite star is 签约 with. A '签约主播' (signed streamer) is seen as more professional than a casual one, as they have the backing of a platform or agency.

这位网红刚刚与一家知名经纪公司签约。

Translation: This internet celebrity has just signed with a well-known talent agency.

You will also encounter this word in the real estate market. Buying a house in China involves multiple steps, and the 签约 stage is the most critical. Real estate agents will constantly remind you: '我们需要安排时间签约' (We need to schedule a time to sign). At this point, the buyer usually pays a significant portion of the down payment. It is a high-pressure environment where the word 签约 represents both a dream coming true and a massive financial commitment.

房东和租客已经约好明天下午三点在房产中介处签约。

Translation: The landlord and the tenant have agreed to sign the contract at the real estate agency tomorrow at 3 PM.

Legal and Government Offices: In government contexts, 签约 is used for international treaties or local development agreements. It is a word of statecraft. When two cities become 'Sister Cities,' they often have a 签约 ceremony to formalize the bond.

两国政府代表签署了贸易协议，完成了这一历史性的签约。

Translation: Government representatives of both countries signed the trade agreement, completing this historic signing.

为了确保合同的有效性，签约时需要律师在场。

Translation: To ensure the validity of the contract, a lawyer needs to be present during the signing.

While 签约 might seem straightforward, many learners stumble over its grammatical properties and its distinction from similar-looking words. Because it is a formal term, using it in the wrong context can make you sound overly stiff or, conversely, using a casual word in a formal setting can seem unprofessional. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when using 签约.

Mistake 1: 签约 + 合同: This is the most frequent error. Learners often want to say 'sign a contract' and translate it literally as '签约合同'. However, 签约 itself already means 'sign a contract'. Adding 合同 (contract) is redundant. If you want to include the word 'contract', you should use the verb 签署 (qiānshǔ) or 签 (qiān).

Incorrect: 我们签约了合同。
Correct: 我们签约了。 (OR) 我们签署了合同。

Explanation: 签约 is an intransitive verb phrase (VO structure where the O is implied). Don't double the object.

Mistake 2: Confusing 签约 with 签字: 签字 (qiānzì) simply means 'to sign your name'. You 签字 on a receipt, a letter, or a package. 签约 is much more specific—it involves a legal agreement. You wouldn't say you 签约 for a UPS package unless that package somehow contained a multi-million dollar merger agreement!

Incorrect: 请在这张收据上签约。
Correct: 请在这张收据上签字。

Explanation: Use 签字 for the physical act of writing your name. Use 签约 for the legal act of entering a contract.

Another mistake involves the preposition. When signing 'with' someone, learners sometimes use '和' (hé) which is okay in casual speech, but in the formal contexts where 签约 is used, '与' (yǔ) is much more appropriate. Also, remember that 签约 is often used as a result, not just the action. Using it without the 'completed' sense in past scenarios can lead to confusion. For example, 'We are in the process of signing' is different from 'We have signed.'

我们正在进行签约谈判。

Translation: We are currently undergoing contract signing negotiations.

Mistake 3: Overusing 签约 for Informal Agreements: If you agree to meet a friend for dinner, that is an 约会 (yuēhuì) or simply an 约定 (yuēdìng). Using 签约 makes it sound like you've brought a lawyer to the restaurant to formalize the appetizer choice. Keep 签约 for professional, legal, or high-stakes contexts.

Incorrect: 我跟朋友签约明天去公园。
Correct: 我跟朋友约好明天去公园。

Explanation: 约好 (yuē hǎo) is for social plans; 签约 is for legal contracts.

有些学生误以为签约可以用于任何口头协议，这是不对的。

Translation: Some students mistakenly think that 'signing' can be used for any oral agreement, which is incorrect.

In Chinese, there are several words related to agreements and signing. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and whether you are focusing on the action, the document, or the result. Understanding these nuances will make your Chinese sound more natural and professional. Here, we compare 签约 with its closest relatives.

签约 vs. 签署 (qiānshǔ): These are very similar, but 签署 is a transitive verb that requires an object (the document). You 签署 a contract, a joint statement, or a decree. 签约 focuses on the act of entering the relationship itself. You can say 'They signed' (他们签约了) but you must say 'They signed the document' (他们签署了文件).

总统正式签署了这项法案。

Translation: The president officially signed the bill.

签约 vs. 签字 (qiānzì): As mentioned before, 签字 is the physical act of handwriting your signature. It is used for credit card slips, attendance sheets, and everyday forms. 签约 is the legal commitment. You might 签字 on a 签约 document.

请在合同的最后一页签字。

Translation: Please sign your name on the last page of the contract.

签约 vs. 订立 (dìnglì): 订立 means 'to conclude' or 'to establish'. It is even more formal than 签约 and is often used in legal literature. You '订立' a contract (订立合同) or '订立' a will (订立遗嘱). It emphasizes the creation and finalization of the terms rather than just the act of signing.

双方依法订立了本协议。

Translation: Both parties established this agreement in accordance with the law.

签约 vs. 续约 (xùyuē): 续约 is 'to renew a contract'. If your apartment lease is ending and you want to stay, you don't 签约 again (technically you do, but the specific word is 续约). It implies an existing relationship is being extended.

俱乐部希望与这名主力球员续约两年。

Translation: The club hopes to renew the contract with this key player for two years.

在正式签约之前，我们会先达成一个初步的意向。

Translation: Before the formal signing, we will first reach a preliminary intent.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The radical in 签 (竹) means bamboo, reminding us that before paper, all 'signing' was done on bamboo strips. The radical in 约 (纟) means silk, symbolizing the 'binding' nature of a promise.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃjɛn ju̯ɛ/

US /tʃjɛn ju̯ɛ/

First syllable (qiān) has a high-level tone; second syllable (yuē) also has a high-level tone.

Rhymes With

边 (biān) 天 (tiān) 先 (xiān) 月 (yuè - though tone differs) 学 (xué - partial) 缺 (quē) 靴 (xuē) 贴 (tiē)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' as 'k' or 'g'. It should be a palatal 'ch' sound.
Pronouncing 'yue' as 'you'. It must have the 'ü' (rounded lips) quality.
Mixing up the tones. Both are first tone (high and flat).
Confusing 'qiān' with 'jiān'.
Dropping the 'u' sound in 'yue' and saying 'ye'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 60/5

The characters are somewhat complex, especially 签 with the bamboo radical and many strokes.

Writing 75/5

Writing 签 correctly requires attention to the number of horizontal strokes in the middle section.

Speaking 40/5

The pronunciation is relatively straightforward if you can handle the 'q' and 'yu' sounds.

Listening 50/5

Easily recognized in business and news contexts due to its frequent use.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

签 (To sign) 约 (Agreement/Appointment) 合同 (Contract) 公司 (Company) 同意 (Agree)

Learn Next

签署 (Sign formally) 违约 (Breach of contract) 履行 (Fulfill) 条款 (Clause) 法律 (Law)

Advanced

仲裁 (Arbitration) 公证 (Notarization) 法律效力 (Legal validity) 不可抗力 (Force majeure) 知识产权 (Intellectual property)

Grammar to Know

Preposition '与' (yǔ) for formal connections.

公司与他签约。

Resultative aspect with '了'.

我们已经签约了。

Using '在...前' for temporal sequence.

在签约前，请仔细阅读。

Adjective placement before nouns.

签约球员 (Signed player).

Passive voice with '被'.

他被这家公司签约了。

Examples by Level

他在公司签约了。

He signed at the company.

Subject + Prepositional Phrase + Verb

我们明天要签约。

We are going to sign a contract tomorrow.

Time adverb '明天' before the verb

她是一个签约歌手。

She is a signed singer.

签约 acting as an adjective modifying '歌手'

你签约了吗？

Have you signed the contract?

Verb + 了 + 吗 for a past action question

请在这里签约。

Please sign here.

Imperative sentence with '请'

他们今天签约。

They are signing today.

Simple Subject + Time + Verb

我不想签约。

I don't want to sign the contract.

Negative '不想' before the verb

这是签约的地方。

This is the place for signing.

签约 modifying the noun '地方'

我与那家公司签约了。

I have signed a contract with that company.

Using '与' (with) for formal partnership

签约仪式在酒店举行。

The signing ceremony is held in the hotel.

签约仪式 as a compound noun

他是我们的签约球员。

He is our signed player.

签约 as an attributive adjective

双方已经成功签约。

Both parties have successfully signed.

Adverb '成功' (successfully) modifying the verb

签约之前要看清楚条款。

Read the terms clearly before signing.

签约 used as a temporal reference (before ...)

这个项目已经完成了签约。

The signing for this project has been completed.

签约 used as a noun object of '完成'

经理去上海签约了。

The manager went to Shanghai to sign a contract.

Directional verb '去' + location + action

我们还没签约，还在谈。

We haven't signed yet; we're still talking.

Negative '还没' for actions not yet completed

由于条款不合适，我们拒绝签约。

Because the terms were inappropriate, we refused to sign.

Reason clause with '由于'

他是这家经纪公司的签约艺人。

He is a signed artist of this talent agency.

Noun phrase with multiple modifiers

签约手续非常复杂，需要几天时间。

The signing procedures are very complex and take a few days.

签约 modifying '手续' (procedures)

如果你同意这些条件，我们就可以签约。

If you agree to these conditions, we can sign.

Conditional '如果...就...' structure

这次签约对公司未来的发展很重要。

This signing is very important for the company's future development.

签约 as the subject of the sentence

他们正式签约成为合作伙伴。

They officially signed to become partners.

Verb + '成为' (become) resultative structure

签约后，我们就不能随意更改了。

After signing, we cannot change it at will.

Time phrase '签约后' (after signing)

律师建议我们在签约前再检查一遍。

The lawyer suggested we check one more time before signing.

Indirect speech with '建议'

双方在签约仪式上互换了合同。

Both parties exchanged contracts at the signing ceremony.

Prepositional phrase '在...上' for location

签约主体的法律资格必须经过严格审查。

The legal eligibility of the signing parties must undergo strict review.

Formal compound '签约主体' (signing entity)

尽管谈判艰难，但最终还是顺利签约了。

Despite the tough negotiations, the signing eventually went smoothly.

Concessive '尽管...但...' structure

该球员因伤势严重，未能与俱乐部签约。

The player failed to sign with the club due to a serious injury.

Formal '因' (because of) and '未能' (failed to)

电子签约不仅效率高，而且更加环保。

Electronic signing is not only efficient but also more environmentally friendly.

Progressive '不仅...而且...' structure

签约额达到了前所未有的高度。

The signing amount reached an unprecedented height.

Noun compound '签约额' (contract value/amount)

在签约过程中，细节决定成败。

In the process of signing, details determine success or failure.

Abstract noun phrase '签约过程'

合同一经签约，即具有法律约束力。

Once the contract is signed, it has legal binding force.

Formal '一经...即...' (once... then...)

这次签约标志着两地经济合作进入了新阶段。

This signing marks a new stage in the economic cooperation between the two regions.

Verb '标志着' (marks/signifies)

为了降低风险，公司推迟了正式签约的时间。

In order to reduce risk, the company postponed the time of the official signing.

Purpose clause with '为了'

签约双方应严格遵守合同中的各项条款。

The two signing parties should strictly abide by all terms in the contract.

Formal subject '签约双方'

这种独家签约模式在娱乐圈非常普遍。

This exclusive signing model is very common in the entertainment industry.

Specific term '独家签约' (exclusive signing)

签约现场气氛庄重而热烈。

The atmosphere at the signing site was solemn yet enthusiastic.

Adjective pair '庄重而热烈'

如果签约时存在欺诈行为，合同可以撤销。

If there is fraudulent behavior at the time of signing, the contract can be revoked.

Legal conditional sentence

他凭借出色的表现，赢得了与顶级唱片公司签约的机会。

With his outstanding performance, he won the opportunity to sign with a top record label.

Structure '凭借...赢得了...机会'

签约率是衡量一个平台吸引力的重要指标。

The signing rate is an important indicator for measuring a platform's attractiveness.

Abstract noun '签约率' (signing rate)

签约背后的博弈反映了双方深层的战略考量。

The maneuvering behind the signing reflects the deep strategic considerations of both parties.

Metaphorical use of '博弈' (game/maneuvering)

该协议的签约，不仅是商业的胜利，更是外交的突破。

The signing of this agreement is not only a commercial victory but also a diplomatic breakthrough.

Rhetorical '不仅是...更是...'

在签约前夕，由于突发事件，合作几乎破裂。

On the eve of the signing, the cooperation almost collapsed due to an unexpected incident.

Time phrase '签约前夕' (eve of signing)

签约主体的虚假信息可能导致严重的法律后果。

False information from the signing entity may lead to serious legal consequences.

Complex subject with '虚假信息'

此次签约被视为该行业整合的一个里程碑。

This signing is regarded as a milestone in the integration of the industry.

Passive structure '被视为' (is regarded as)

尽管双方已签约，但实际履行过程中仍存在诸多变数。

Although both parties have signed, there are still many variables in the actual performance process.

Contrast between '签约' and '履行'

签约仪式的每一个细节都经过了精心的策划与排练。

Every detail of the signing ceremony has undergone careful planning and rehearsal.

Structure '经过了...策划与排练'

签约并不意味着谈判的终结，而是合作的开端。

Signing does not mean the end of negotiations, but rather the beginning of cooperation.

Philosophical '不意味着...而是...'

Common Collocations

正式签约

签约仪式

签约艺人

签约球员

成功签约

电子签约

签约额

签约现场

独家签约

签约主体

Common Phrases

签约仪式

— A formal ceremony where parties sign a contract.

签约仪式定在明天上午。

签约歌手

— A singer who is under contract with a label.

他是一名很有潜力的签约歌手。

在线签约

— The process of signing a contract via the internet.

通过在线签约，我们节省了很多时间。

签约率

— The percentage of successful contract signings.

该项目的签约率达到了百分之九十。

签约单位

— The organization or entity that is signing the contract.

请填写签约单位的名称。

签约期限

— The duration or term of the contract being signed.

双方正在讨论签约期限。

签约奖金

— A bonus given upon signing a contract, common in sports.

他的签约奖金非常丰厚。

签约公告

— An official announcement regarding a contract signing.

公司发布了关于此次合作的签约公告。

签约代表

— The person authorized to sign on behalf of a party.

双方签约代表在合同上签字。

集体签约

— A mass signing event involving multiple parties at once.

今天举行了重点项目的集体签约活动。

Often Confused With

签约 vs 签字

签字 is just the physical act of writing a name; 签约 is the legal commitment.

签约 vs 约会

约会 is a social date; 签约 is a business contract.

签约 vs 签署

签署 needs an object (e.g., sign a treaty); 签约 is often used alone.

Idioms & Expressions

"约法三章"

— To make a few simple rules to be observed by all parties.

在合作前，我们先约法三章。

Common

"金石之约"

— An unbreakable and firm agreement or promise.

他们的友谊如同金石之约。

Literary

"纸上谈兵"

— To discuss military tactics on paper (empty talk/unrealistic plans). Related to contracts that are never signed or fulfilled.

没有签约，一切都只是纸上谈兵。

Common

"口说无凭"

— Oral promises cannot be taken as evidence; need a written contract.

口说无凭，我们还是签约吧。

Common

"立字为据"

— To put something in writing as evidence.

我们必须立字为据，正式签约。

Formal

"背信弃义"

— To abandon one's principles and betray trust (breaking a contract).

签约后又反悔，简直是背信弃义。

Formal

"一诺千金"

— A promise that is as good as a thousand bars of gold.

虽然没有签约，但他一诺千金。

Literary

"信守不渝"

— To keep a promise faithfully and never change.

签约后，双方都信守不渝。

Formal

"空头支票"

— An empty promise or a 'rubber check'.

他不签约，只是在开空头支票。

Common

"盟誓之言"

— Words of a solemn oath or covenant.

签约时的盟誓之言至今难忘。

Literary

Easily Confused

签约 vs 签字

Both involve signing.

签字 is for any paper (receipts, etc.); 签约 is only for contracts. 签字 is just the action; 签约 is the legal result.

请在快递单上签字，而不是签约。

签约 vs 签署

Both are formal words for signing.

签署 is a transitive verb (requires an object like 'documents'). 签约 is an intransitive verb phrase focusing on the agreement.

他签署了文件，完成了签约。

签约 vs 签收

Both start with '签'.

签收 is specifically for receiving items (delivery). 签约 is for making deals.

我签收了包裹，但我没有签约。

签约 vs 约定

Both involve an agreement (约).

约定 can be informal or verbal. 签约 must involve a written contract.

我们约定明天见，但这不需要签约。

签约 vs 续约

Both involve contracts.

续约 is specifically for extending an old contract. 签约 is usually for a new one.

合同到期了，我想续约。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 签约 + 了。

我签约了。

Subject + 与 + Party B + 签约。

他与公司签约。

在 + Action + 前/后 + 签约。

在谈判后签约。

Subject + 正式 + 签约 + 成为 + Role。

他正式签约成为球员。

签约 + 标志着 + Significance。

签约标志着合作的开始。

基于 + Basis + 双方 + 签约。

基于互信，双方签约。

Subject + 是 + 签约 + Noun。

他是签约艺人。

签约 + 过程 + 属性。

签约过程很复杂。

Word Family

Nouns

契约 (qìyuē) - Covenant/Contract

合同 (hétóng) - Contract

协议 (xiéyì) - Agreement

草案 (cǎo'àn) - Draft agreement

Verbs

签署 (qiānshǔ) - To sign (formally)

签字 (qiānzì) - To sign (one's name)

违约 (wéiyuē) - To break a contract

续约 (xùyuē) - To renew a contract

解约 (jiěyuē) - To terminate a contract

Adjectives

约定的 (yuēdìng de) - Agreed upon

合法的 (héfǎ de) - Legal

约束性的 (yuēshù xìng de) - Binding

谈判 (tánpàn) - Negotiation

条款 (tiáokuǎn) - Clause/Term

甲方 (jiǎfāng) - Party A

乙方 (yǐfāng) - Party B

公证 (gōngzhèng) - Notarization

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in business news, sports reporting, and professional administrative contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 签约 for a restaurant reservation. → 预订 (yùdìng)
签约 is for legal contracts. For a table at a restaurant, use '预订' (reserve).
Saying '我签约我的名字' (I sign my name). → 签字 (qiānzì)
To sign your name is '签字'. '签约' means the whole process of signing a contract.
Writing '签约合同' in a report. → 签署合同 (qiānshǔ hétóng)
签约 is a verb-object compound itself. '签署' is the correct verb to use with '合同'.
Confusing 签约 with 续约 when extending a lease. → 续约 (xùyuē)
If you are extending an existing agreement, use '续约' (renew). '签约' implies a new agreement.
Using '签约' for a casual verbal promise. → 约定 (yuēdìng)
签约 implies a physical or digital document. For verbal plans, use '约定' or '说好了'.

Tips

Avoid Redundancy

Never say '签约合同'. The '约' in 签约 already stands for the contract/agreement. Use '签署合同' if you must use the word '合同'. This is a common mistake that marks you as a beginner.

The Power of the Seal

In China, 签约 is often followed by '盖章' (gàizhāng - stamping a seal). For many companies, the red ink seal is more legally powerful than a handwritten signature. Always check if a seal is required for your document to be valid.

签约 vs. 约会

Both share the character '约', but they are worlds apart. 签约 is for business and law; 约会 is for romance or meeting friends. Don't tell your boss you want to '约会' to sign the papers!

Formal Prepositions

When saying who you are signing with, use '与' (yǔ) instead of '和' (hé) to sound more professional. '与贵公司签约' (Sign with your esteemed company) sounds much better in a business meeting.

The Ceremony

If you are invited to a '签约仪式', dress formally. Even if the deal is already done, the ceremony is a critical part of maintaining 'Face' and building long-term relationships in Chinese business culture.

Reviewing Terms

Before the 签约, people often talk about '审查条款' (shěnchá tiáokuǎn - reviewing terms). It is perfectly normal and expected to spend a long time on this stage before the actual signing happens.

Stroke Order

The character '签' is tricky. Make sure the bamboo radical (竹) on top is clear, and don't forget the small horizontal strokes in the middle. Practice writing it to ensure it looks professional.

Context Clues

If you hear '签约' in a sports broadcast, it almost always refers to a player transfer. In a financial report, it refers to a merger or a large project tender. The context tells you the magnitude of the deal.

E-Signatures

In the modern tech era, '电子签约' is accepted for many things like apartment rentals. However, for very high-value deals, physical paper and ink are still preferred for the psychological sense of security.

The Handshake

After the 签约, a handshake and a photo are standard. It is common to say '合作愉快' (hézuò yúkuài - happy to cooperate) immediately after the pens are put down.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **Bamboo Pen** (签 has the bamboo radical 竹) being used to tie a **Silk Ribbon** (约 has the silk radical 纟) around two people to keep them together.

Visual Association

Picture two businessmen sitting at a large mahogany table, each holding a high-end fountain pen, about to touch the paper at the same time.

Word Web

合同 (Contract) 签字 (Signature) 公司 (Company) 法律 (Law) 仪式 (Ceremony) 球员 (Player) 艺人 (Artist) 谈判 (Negotiation)

Challenge

Try to find three news articles online in Chinese that use the word 签约. Note whether they are about sports, business, or celebrities.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '签' (qiān) originally referred to bamboo slips used for divination or labeling. '约' (yuē) originally meant to bind with silk. In the modern era, they were combined to describe the act of binding oneself to a written agreement.

Original meaning: To mark a bamboo slip for an agreement.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'breaking a contract' (违约) in business meetings, as it can be seen as a direct attack on someone's integrity.

In the West, 签约 is synonymous with 'closing the deal.' While Westerners focus on the fine print, Chinese 签约 focuses on the start of a long-term partnership.

The signing of the 'Sino-British Joint Declaration' (中英联合声明签约). Famous NBA players signing with Chinese shoe brands like Li-Ning. The 'Belt and Road Initiative' (一带一路) signing ceremonies.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Offer

什么时候签约？
签约奖金有多少？
我已经签约了。
签约手续在哪里办？

Real Estate

买房签约流程
签约时需要带什么？
房东还没签约。
签约后交首付。

Business Partnership

战略合作签约
双方正式签约
签约仪式流程
期待与贵公司签约。

Sports & Talent

签约新球员
独家签约艺人
签约期限是五年
由于身体原因未能签约。

Legal Disputes

签约时的欺诈
签约主体不符
撤销签约
签约后的违约责任。

Conversation Starters

"听说你们公司最近要和一家大企业签约？ (I heard your company is going to sign with a big firm?)"

"你签约的时候有没有找律师看合同？ (Did you have a lawyer look at the contract when you signed?)"

"这次签约仪式邀请了哪些媒体？ (Which media outlets were invited to this signing ceremony?)"

"新球星的签约对球队有什么影响？ (What impact does the signing of the new star have on the team?)"

"我们什么时候可以正式签约？ (When can we officially sign the contract?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你人生中重要的签约经历，当时的心情是怎样的？ (Describe an important signing experience in your life; how did you feel at the time?)

你认为电子签约会完全取代纸质签约吗？为什么？ (Do you think electronic signing will completely replace paper signing? Why?)

如果你是一家经纪公司的老板，你会选择签约什么样的艺人？ (If you were the boss of a talent agency, what kind of artists would you choose to sign?)

谈谈在你的文化中，签约（签署合同）的重要性。 (Talk about the importance of signing a contract in your culture.)

想象一下，如果你能和任何一家公司签约工作，你会选哪家？ (Imagine if you could sign to work with any company, which one would you choose?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While people might understand you, it is technically redundant because '签约' already includes the meaning of 'signing a contract.' It is better to say '签署合同' or simply '签约.' In formal writing, always avoid '签约合同.' Use '完成签约' if you want a longer phrase.

No, it is used in many fields. It is very common in sports (signing a player), entertainment (signing a singer), and real estate (signing a lease or purchase agreement). Any situation involving a formal legal document can use '签约.' Even non-profits can '签约' for partnerships.

签署 is a verb that needs an object, like '签署协议' (sign the agreement). 签约 can stand alone as a verb, like '我们签约了' (We signed). 签署 sounds slightly more formal and is often used for high-level government or legal documents. 签约 is the standard term for business deals.

In Chinese, marriage involves '登记' (dēngjì - registration) or '领证' (lǐngzhèng - getting the certificate), not '签约.' However, if you are signing a 'pre-nuptial agreement,' you would use '签署婚前协议.' The act of getting married itself is not described as '签约.'

It can be both. As a verb: '他们明天签约' (They will sign tomorrow). As a noun: '这次签约很重要' (This signing is very important). It functions similarly to the English word 'signing' in this regard.

The term is '电子签名' (diànzǐ qiānmíng) for the signature itself, and '电子签约' (diànzǐ qiānyuē) for the process of signing a contract electronically. With the rise of remote work, these terms are becoming very common in China.

It means an artist who is under contract with a specific agency or company. This implies that the agency has the exclusive right to manage their career. It's a common term in the music and film industries to distinguish professionals from freelancers.

Yes, once you have '签约,' the contract is generally considered legally binding and active, unless the contract specifies a later start date. The act of 签约 is the moment the legal obligations begin. This is why it's such a critical step.

In big business deals, yes. It's called a '签约仪式' (signing ceremony). Usually, representatives from both companies sit at a table, sign two copies of the contract, exchange them, sign again, and then shake hands for a photo. It's a very standardized ritual.

It means 'exclusive signing.' This is where one party agrees to work only with the other party for a certain period. For example, a streamer might have a '独家签约' with a platform like Bilibili, meaning they cannot stream on other platforms.