サイン
sain[sa̠ĩɴ]
The English word autograph is サイン in Japanese. If unsure, use サイン (sain). Wiktionary also lists 肉筆 (nikuhitsu) and 自署 (jisho).
Meaning: signature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| サイン | sain | [sa̠ĩɴ] (narrow) | |
| 肉筆 | nikuhitsu | [ɲ̟ikɯ̟çit͡sɨ] (narrow) | |
| 自署 | jisho | common gender |
The term サイン is the most common way to refer to a celebrity's autograph or a signature in casual conversation.
Which one should you use?
While サイン is used for autographs and casual signatures, 肉筆 is a more formal term that refers specifically to something written in one's own hand, often used to describe an autograph or a handwritten note as a valuable item. The form 自署 is also available.
How do you pronounce it?
sain
What mistakes should you avoid?
While it also means signature, it is reserved for official documents.
Did you know?
- While サイン is common for fans, Japanese official documents often require a inkan or hanko red ink stamp instead of a handwritten signature.
- The term 肉筆 literally means 'flesh writing'. It is used to distinguish an original handwritten work from a printed copy or a digital reproduction.
- In Japanese, the word サイン can also refer to a 'sign' or 'signal' given between two people, such as a secret gesture to communicate during a meeting.
Examples in context
- この本にサインしてもらえませんか。Would you please autograph this book?This sentence shows how to politely ask someone to autograph a book using サイン.Tatoeba #219772 by bunbuku, translation #515646 by CK
- 「2時間待った甲斐があったね」「うん！ このサイン、一生の宝物にする」"It was worth the two-hour wait, huh." "Yeah! I'll cherish this autograph for the rest of my life."This sentence demonstrates how someone might express the value of receiving a サイン.Tatoeba #3141865 by tommy_san, translation #3147421 by gustonrankin
- サイン書いてやってもいいぞ。I can give you an autograph if you want.This sentence uses the verb form to offer an autograph using サイン.Tatoeba #430482 by blay_paul, translation #430483 by blay_paul
- 彼女にサインしてもらいました。I got her autograph.
- アイドルにサインしてもらったよ！I got an autograph from an idol!
- 有名な俳優からサインをいただきました。I received an autograph from a famous actor.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A fan meeting at a small cafe.
- 陽太 Yotaサインをいただけますか？Sain o itadakemasu ka?Could I have your autograph?
- 美咲 Misakiもちろんです！こちらに書いておきますね。Mochiron desu! Kochira ni kaite okimasu ne.Of course! I'll write it right here.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます。大切にします！Arigatou gozaimasu. Taisetsu ni shimasu!Thank you. I will treasure it!
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんの応援、いつも嬉しいですよ。Youta-san no ouen, itsumo ureshii desu yo.Your support always makes me happy, Youta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “autograph” translations and entries サイン, 肉筆, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
