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A2 verb 11 min read

签订

qiāndìng
Examples 签订 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 签订 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn basic verbs. While '签订' (qiāndìng) is a bit advanced for a total beginner, you can think of it as a special kind of 'writing' (写 - xiě) or 'signing' (签 - qiān). At this stage, you might only see it in very simple contexts, like 'signing a paper'. You don't need to worry about the legal nuances yet. Just remember that it is a formal way to say you agree to something by writing your name on a document. Focus on the first character '签' (qiān), which means 'to sign'. You might see this on a form at a school or a doctor's office. Even at A1, knowing that '签订' is for 'important papers' will help you distinguish it from just writing a letter to a friend.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to handle everyday tasks like renting an apartment or looking for a job. This is where '签订' becomes very useful. You will hear it when people talk about 'contracts' (合同 - hétóng). For example, '签订合同' (sign a contract). You should know that this word is more formal than '写' (write). It's used when two people or two companies make a deal. You might use it in a sentence like 'I signed the contract yesterday' (我昨天签订了合同). Notice the '了' (le) at the end, which shows the action is finished. At this level, you should be able to recognize '签订' in a business email or a rental agreement and understand that it marks a formal agreement.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the difference between formal and informal language. '签订' is a key part of your formal vocabulary. You should start using it in professional contexts instead of just '签'. You will also encounter it in the news, often referring to 'agreements' (协议 - xiéyì) or 'treaties' (条约 - tiáoyuē). You should be comfortable with the structure 'A 与 B 签订了...' (A and B signed...). You will also notice that '签订' is often used with resultative complements like '签订好' (finished signing and ready). This level requires you to understand that '签订' is not just about the physical signature, but about the legal 'conclusion' of the agreement. You should also be able to distinguish it from '签名' (autograph/signature).
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances of '签订'. You will see it used in complex business reports and legal discussions. You should understand that it is a transitive verb that specifically targets formal documents. You might encounter it in the passive voice, such as '合同已被双方签订' (The contract has been signed by both parties). You should also be aware of its synonyms like '签署' (qiānshǔ) and know that '签署' is slightly more formal, often used for official government documents. At B2, you should be able to use '签订' correctly in a business presentation or a formal letter, and you should understand its role in the 'negotiation -> agreement -> signing' process (洽谈 -> 达成协议 -> 签订合同).
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At the C1 level, you are moving towards near-native proficiency. You should understand the historical and legal weight behind '签订'. It is not just a verb; it is a marker of legal finality. You will find it in academic papers on law or economics, and in deep-dive news analysis about international diplomacy. You should be able to use it with high-level collocations like '签订战略合作协议' (sign a strategic cooperation agreement) or '签订具有法律约束力的文件' (sign a legally binding document). You should also understand the subtle difference between '签订' and '订立' (dìnglì), where '订立' is often used in the context of establishing the legal framework of a contract. Your usage of '签订' should be precise, reflecting the specific legal or professional context you are in.
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At the C2 level, you have mastered '签订' in all its forms and contexts. You can appreciate its use in historical texts or high-level legal discourse where every word carries significant weight. You might see it in discussions about the '签订' of historical treaties like the Treaty of Versailles or modern international trade pacts. You understand the philosophical implications of '签订' as a form of social contract or mutual obligation. In professional writing, you use '签订' with absolute precision, choosing it over '签署' or '签约' based on the exact tone and legal standing required. You are also capable of identifying if '签订' is used ironically or metaphorically in literature to describe a binding, perhaps inescapable, personal agreement or fate.
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Examples

签订 in 30 Seconds

  • 签订 means to formally sign a contract or agreement, usually in a business or legal context.
  • It differs from 签名 (autograph) because it implies the conclusion of a formal deal between parties.
  • Commonly used with objects like 合同 (contract), 协议 (agreement), and 条约 (treaty).
  • Essential for professional Chinese, it marks the legal finalization of a negotiation process.

The Chinese verb 签订 (qiāndìng) is a formal term used specifically for the act of entering into a formal agreement, contract, or treaty. While the English word 'sign' can refer to anything from signing a birthday card to signing a peace treaty, 签订 is strictly reserved for the latter categories—those involving legal, commercial, or official obligations. It combines 签 (to sign/affix a mark) with 订 (to conclude, fix, or settle), creating a sense of finality and legal binding. You will encounter this word most frequently in business news, legal documents, and formal professional settings.

Formal Agreements
This is the primary domain of the word. It is used for employment contracts (劳动合同), sales agreements (销售协议), and international treaties (条约). It implies that both parties have reached a consensus and are now legally bound by the terms written on the paper.
Business Transactions
When two companies decide to work together, they don't just 'write' a contract; they 签订 it. This highlights the solemnity and the bureaucratic process of the business world.
Diplomatic Contexts
In the news, you will hear about nations signing peace accords or trade deals. The word 签订 lends the necessary weight to these historical moments, suggesting a formalization of international relations.

双方在友好气氛中签订了这项长期合作协议。

(Both parties signed this long-term cooperation agreement in a friendly atmosphere.)

Understanding the nuance of 签订 requires recognizing that it focuses on the conclusion of the deal. Unlike 签名 (qiānmíng), which is just the physical act of writing your name, 签订 encompasses the entire act of entering the agreement. For instance, you wouldn't 签订 a fan's t-shirt; you would 签名 it. However, you would 签订 the mortgage for your new house.

公司上个月签订了一份价值五百万美元的订单。

(The company signed an order worth five million US dollars last month.)

Furthermore, the word is often followed by the particle 了 (le) to indicate the completion of the action, or 好 (hǎo) to indicate that the signing has been successfully prepared or finished. It is a highly productive verb in the workplace, essential for anyone looking to work in a Chinese-speaking environment or handle legal matters in China.

在签订合同之前，请务必仔细阅读所有条款。

(Before signing the contract, please be sure to read all the clauses carefully.)
Common Collocations
签订合同 (Sign a contract), 签订协议 (Sign an agreement), 签订条约 (Sign a treaty), 签订盟约 (Sign a covenant).

In summary, 签订 is a foundational word for professional Chinese. It marks the transition from negotiation to obligation. Whether you are renting an apartment, starting a new job, or merging two tech giants, the moment the pen touches the paper and the agreement becomes reality, you are 签订-ing.

Using 签订 (qiāndìng) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb. It almost always takes an object that represents a formal document or a legal relationship. The sentence structure is typically straightforward: Subject + 签订 + Object. However, because it describes a formal process, it is often surrounded by temporal markers or prepositional phrases that define the conditions of the signing.

我们公司与供应商签订了一份为期三年的供货合同。

(Our company signed a three-year supply contract with the supplier.)

In the sentence above, notice the use of 与...签订 (with... sign). This is a very common pattern used to denote the parties involved in the agreement. You can also use 跟...签订 in slightly less formal but still professional contexts. The structure A 与 B 签订 [Document] is the gold standard for describing business partnerships.

The 'Result' Aspect
Because 签订 implies a result (the completion of the deal), it is often used with resultative complements. For example, 签订好 (signed and ready) or 签订完 (finished signing). This emphasizes that the bureaucratic hurdle has been cleared.
Passive Voice with '被'
In legal or news reporting, you might see the passive construction: [Document] 被双方签订 (The document was signed by both parties). This shifts the focus to the contract itself rather than the people signing it.

这份协议已经在昨天下午正式签订了。

(This agreement was officially signed yesterday afternoon.)

When using 签订 in a sequence of events, it often appears as the climax of a negotiation. For example, 'After weeks of discussion, we finally signed the contract.' In Chinese, this would be: 经过几周的谈判，我们终于签订了合同。 (Jīngguò jǐ zhōu de tánpàn, wǒmen zhōngyú qiāndìngle hétóng.) The word 终于 (finally) pairs excellently with 签订 to highlight the effort involved in reaching the agreement.

如果你不同意这些条款，就不要签订。

(If you do not agree with these terms, then do not sign.)

In imperative sentences (commands or advice), 签订 is often preceded by 请 (please) or 务必 (must). This is common in HR or legal advice. 'Please sign the confidentiality agreement' would be 请签订保密协议 (Qǐng qiāndìng bǎomì xiéyì).

Using with '之前' and '之后'
To describe actions happening before or after the signing: 签订之前 (before signing) and 签订之后 (after signing). This is crucial for setting timelines in a professional context.

Lastly, consider the object '合同' (contract). While 签订 can take many objects, '合同' is its most frequent partner. If you are ever unsure of how to use 签订, thinking of it as 'to sign a contract' will keep you on the right path 90% of the time.

You won't hear 签订 (qiāndìng) much in a casual coffee shop conversation between friends, but it is ubiquitous in other specific areas of life. If you are living or working in a Chinese-speaking environment, you will encounter this word in four main 'zones': the workplace, the news, the legal/real estate office, and sports media.

In the Office (Workplace)
When you start a new job, the HR manager will likely say: '我们需要签订劳动合同' (We need to sign the labor contract). During project meetings, you might hear managers discussing whether a deal with a client has been 签订-ed yet. It is the language of professional commitment.
On the Evening News (International Relations)
News anchors frequently use 签订 to report on international affairs. '两国首脑签订了贸易协定' (The heads of the two countries signed a trade agreement). In this context, the word conveys the gravity and official nature of the event.
Real Estate and Legal Services
Renting or buying property in China involves a lot of 签订-ing. The real estate agent will tell you: '今天我们要签订租房合同' (Today we are going to sign the rental contract). It's the word that makes the house a home (legally speaking).

听说他刚刚跟那家唱片公司签订了五年的合约。

(I heard he just signed a five-year contract with that record company.)

In the world of sports and entertainment, 签订 is used when a player or an artist joins a new team or agency. Sports commentators will analyze the '签订金额' (the amount of the signed contract), discussing whether the player is worth the investment. This brings the word into the realm of popular culture, albeit in a structured, financial way.

You will also see this word on websites and apps. When you click 'I Agree' on a Terms of Service page, you are effectively 签订-ing a digital agreement. Some apps might even use the phrase '点击即视为签订协议' (Clicking is regarded as signing the agreement).

在互联网时代，我们每天都在无形中签订各种用户协议。

(In the internet age, we are invisibly signing various user agreements every day.)

Essentially, 签订 is the sound of the world’s machinery turning. It represents the moments where negotiations end and action begins. If you are watching a TV drama about lawyers or business moguls, you will hear this word in almost every episode as they battle over '签订' or '违约' (breaking a contract).

While 签订 (qiāndìng) seems like a simple translation for 'to sign', English speakers often fall into several traps due to the specific formal constraints of the Chinese word. Understanding these common errors will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid awkward social or professional blunders.

Mistake 1: Confusing '签订' with '签名'
This is the most frequent error. 签名 (qiānmíng) is the physical act of writing your name. 签订 is the legal act of concluding a deal. If a fan asks a celebrity for an autograph, they say '请签名' (Please sign your name). If they said '请签订', the celebrity would be very confused—they would be asking the celebrity to enter into a formal contract with them!
Mistake 2: Using it for Informal Documents
You don't 签订 a birthday card, a grocery list, or a casual note to a friend. For these, use 写 (xiě - write) or 签 (qiān - sign). 签订 requires a document with terms, conditions, or formal agreements.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the 'Conclusion' Aspect
Some learners use 签订 when they are still in the process of negotiating. Remember, 签订 is the final step. If you are still talking about the terms, you are 洽谈 (qiàtán - negotiating) or 商定 (shāngdìng - discussing to decide).

错误：他在我的笔记本上签订了名字。
正确：他在我的笔记本上签了名。

(Error: He 'contract-signed' his name on my notebook. Correct: He signed his name on my notebook.)

Another subtle mistake is the confusion between 签订 and 制定 (zhìdìng). 制定 means to 'formulate' or 'draft' a policy or rule. While you might 制定 a contract (write the rules), you 签订 it once it is ready for both parties to agree. Don't use 签订 to describe the writing phase.

错误：我们正在签订合同的初稿。
正确：我们正在起草合同的初稿。

(Error: We are 'contract-signing' the first draft. Correct: We are 'drafting' the first draft.)

Finally, be careful with the word 签字 (qiānzì). While 签字 and 签订 are often interchangeable in casual business talk, 签字 literally means 'to sign characters' and can be used for any document (like a delivery receipt). 签订 is specifically for the agreement itself. If you are at the post office signing for a package, use 签字, never 签订.

In the rich tapestry of Chinese legal and business vocabulary, several words share the semantic space of 'signing'. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the specific action being performed, and the nature of the document. Here is a comparison of 签订 (qiāndìng) and its closest relatives.

签订 (qiāndìng) vs. 签署 (qiānshǔ)
These are very close. However, 签署 is more formal and often used for high-level documents, official statements, or by high-ranking officials. Think of 签订 as the standard business term and 签署 as the 'statesman' or 'CEO' term. You 签订 a rental agreement; a president 签署 a new law.
签订 (qiāndìng) vs. 签字 (qiānzì)
签字 focuses on the physical act of signing. It is more versatile and can be used for informal things like signing a receipt. 签订 focuses on the legal conclusion. If your boss says 'Go sign this,' they might say '去签字'. If they say 'We concluded the deal,' they say '我们签订了合同'.
签订 (qiāndìng) vs. 订立 (dìnglì)
订立 is a very formal, often written-only term. It emphasizes the 'establishment' of the agreement. It is common in legal textbooks (e.g., 'the establishment of a contract'). In spoken business Chinese, 签订 is much more common.

虽然他已经签字了，但合同要在下周才正式签订。

(Although he has already 'signed' (physically), the contract won't be officially 'concluded' until next week.)

Another related word is 签约 (qiānyuē). This is actually a shorthand for 签订合约 (signing a contract). It is used as a verb and is very popular in the entertainment and sports industries. You will hear about a '签约球员' (a signed player) or a '签约仪式' (a signing ceremony). It is slightly more 'dynamic' and 'event-focused' than the more clinical 签订.

Finally, consider 达成 (dáchéng - to reach). While not a 'signing' word, it is the precursor. You 达成协议 (reach an agreement) before you 签订合同 (sign the contract). Using these in sequence shows a high level of Chinese proficiency.

双方终于达成了共识，并决定明天签订正式文件。

(The two sides finally reached a consensus and decided to sign the official documents tomorrow.)
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Examples by Level

1

请在这里签订你的名字。

Please sign your name here.

A1 usage often simplifies '签订' to mean 'sign', though '签名' is more common for names.

2

我签定了这个纸。

I signed this paper.

Using '了' to show the action is finished.

3

他签订了。

He signed it.

Simple subject-verb-completed action structure.

4

我们要签订吗？

Do we need to sign?

A basic question using '要' (need/want).

5

老师签订了我的作业。

The teacher signed my homework.

Informal use of the word for a simple approval signature.

6

请签订，谢谢。

Please sign, thank you.

A polite imperative.

7

我不签订这个。

I am not signing this.

Negative form using '不'.

8

他在那里签订。

He is signing over there.

Indicating the location of the action.

1

我们昨天签订了合同。

We signed the contract yesterday.

Standard A2 sentence with a time marker and object '合同'.

2

你签订租房协议了吗？

Have you signed the rental agreement?

Using '协议' (agreement) as an object.

3

请先阅读，再签订。

Please read first, then sign.

Using '先...再...' to show sequence.

4

公司签订了一份新订单。

The company signed a new order.

A common business context for A2 learners.

5

他不想签订这个合同。

He doesn't want to sign this contract.

Expressing desire with '想'.

6

我们签订好协议了。

We have finished signing the agreement.

Resultative complement '好' indicating completion.

7

谁签订了这份文件？

Who signed this document?

Interrogative sentence with '谁'.

8

签订合同非常重要。

Signing a contract is very important.

Using the verb phrase as a subject.

1

双方已经在昨天下午正式签订了协议。

Both parties officially signed the agreement yesterday afternoon.

Use of '正式' (officially) and '双方' (both parties).

2

签订劳动合同是保护工人的重要方式。

Signing a labor contract is an important way to protect workers.

Abstract subject phrase involving '签订'.

3

在签订任何文件之前，你应该咨询律师。

Before signing any document, you should consult a lawyer.

Prepositional phrase '在...之前'.

4

由于价格问题，他们没有签订合同。

Due to price issues, they did not sign the contract.

Using '由于' to explain the reason for not signing.

5

我们需要与供应商签订长期合作协议。

We need to sign a long-term cooperation agreement with the supplier.

The pattern '与...签订'.

6

这份合同是上个月签订的。

This contract was signed last month.

The '是...的' construction to emphasize the time of signing.

7

签订合同时，请务必核对所有条款。

When signing the contract, please be sure to check all terms.

Using '...时' to denote the time of the action.

8

他们终于签订了那项重要的贸易协定。

They finally signed that important trade agreement.

Adverb '终于' (finally) indicating the end of a long process.

1

该项条约的签订标志着两国关系的改善。

The signing of the treaty marks the improvement of relations between the two countries.

Using '签订' as a noun (the signing).

2

在双方代表的见证下，协议正式签订。

Under the witness of representatives from both sides, the agreement was officially signed.

Complex prepositional phrase '在...见证下'.

3

如果违反已签订的合同，将面临巨额罚款。

If the signed contract is violated, one will face huge fines.

Using '已签订的' as an adjective modifying '合同'.

4

公司计划在年底前签订至少五份新合约。

The company plans to sign at least five new contracts before the end of the year.

Using '至少' (at least) and '计划' (plan).

5

签订这份协议对我们未来的发展至关重要。

Signing this agreement is crucial to our future development.

High-level adjective '至关重要' (crucial).

6

该球员与俱乐部签订了一份为期五年的合同。

The player signed a five-year contract with the club.

Common sports news structure.

7

通过签订这份协议，我们锁定了原材料的价格。

By signing this agreement, we locked in the price of raw materials.

Using '通过' (through/by) to show the means.

8

在签订合同的过程中，双方进行了多次沟通。

In the process of signing the contract, both sides communicated many times.

Using '...的过程中' to describe the process.

1

签订此类战略协议需经过董事会的严格审批。

The signing of such strategic agreements requires strict approval from the board of directors.

Formal vocabulary: '战略协议' (strategic agreement) and '审批' (approval).

2

即便协议已经签订，后续的执行过程依然充满挑战。

Even if the agreement has been signed, the subsequent implementation process remains full of challenges.

Conjunction '即便' (even if) and '后续' (subsequent).

3

法律明确规定，被迫签订的合同是无效的。

The law clearly stipulates that contracts signed under duress are invalid.

Legal terminology: '明确规定' (clearly stipulates) and '无效' (invalid).

4

该协议的签订有助于缓解本地区的紧张局势。

The signing of the agreement helps to ease tensions in the region.

Political vocabulary: '缓解' (ease) and '紧张局势' (tensions).

5

在签订合同时，必须考虑到潜在的市场风险。

Potential market risks must be considered when signing a contract.

Passive-style advice using '必须考虑到'.

6

双方就合同条款达成一致后，方可进行签订。

Only after both parties reach an agreement on the terms can the signing take place.

Formal structure '...后，方可...' (only after... can...).

7

签订这份秘密协议的行为引起了国际社会的广泛关注。

The act of signing this secret agreement has drawn widespread attention from the international community.

Noun phrase subject '签订这份秘密协议的行为'.

8

该合同的签订标志着两家巨头公司的强强联手。

The signing of the contract marks the powerful alliance of the two giant companies.

Idiomatic expression '强强联手' (alliance of giants).

1

签订此类契约不仅是法律义务，更是道义上的承诺。

Signing such a covenant is not only a legal obligation but also a moral commitment.

Philosophical tone using '道义上的承诺' (moral commitment).

2

历史证明，许多在战火中签订的条约往往难以持久。

History proves that many treaties signed amidst the flames of war often find it difficult to last.

Literary style: '战火中' (amidst the flames of war).

3

该协议的签订在法律界引发了关于主权归属的激烈辩论。

The signing of the agreement sparked a heated debate in the legal community regarding the attribution of sovereignty.

Advanced legal/political vocabulary: '主权归属' (attribution of sovereignty).

4

我们不能在信息不对称的情况下草率签订任何协议。

We cannot hastily sign any agreement under conditions of information asymmetry.

Economic/Logical term '信息不对称' (information asymmetry).

5

签订合同时的细微差别，可能导致截然不同的法律后果。

Subtle differences at the time of signing a contract can lead to completely different legal consequences.

Advanced structure '细微差别...可能导致...'.

6

此番签订的协议，实则是对双方长期博弈结果的一种确认。

The agreement signed this time is actually a confirmation of the results of the long-term game between the two parties.

Complex analytical tone using '博弈' (game theory/competition).

7

在签订条约之前，外交官们进行了长达数月的艰苦斡旋。

Before the signing of the treaty, diplomats engaged in months of arduous mediation.

Sophisticated vocabulary: '斡旋' (mediation/diplomatic maneuvering).

8

签订合同后的履约情况，是衡量企业信誉的试金石。

The performance of the contract after signing is a touchstone for measuring corporate credibility.

Metaphorical use of '试金石' (touchstone).

Common Collocations

签订合同
签订协议
签订条约
正式签订
签订仪式
签订日期
签订过程
签订地点
签订双方
签订好
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