サインをいただけますか？
sain o itadakemasu ka?
The English phrase 'can I have your autograph?' is expressed in Japanese as サインをいただけますか？ (sain o itadakemasu ka?)
This phrase is a polite request used to ask a famous person to sign their name on something. The term for autograph is the loanword サイン (sain), which is derived from the English word 'sign'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Can I receive a signature?' Here, サイン is the loanword for signature and いただけますか？ is a polite way to ask to receive something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
サインをいただけますか？ is a very polite request. For a more direct but still standard polite way to ask for an autograph, you can use サインしてください, which means 'Please sign (this).'
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle を marks サイン (signature) as the direct object of the verb used in the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
sain o itadakemasu ka?
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to provide the celebrity with a 色紙 (shikishi), a specially prepared stiff square board with a gold border, specifically for autographs.
- The loanword サイン is so versatile that it can also refer to a signal given by a teammate in sports or a sign in a medical context, far beyond just an autograph.
- When asking for an autograph, it is common practice to offer the item to be signed with both hands and a slight bow to show respect to the person's status.
Examples in context
- サインをいただけますか？Sain o itadakemasu ka?Can I have your autograph?
- こちらにサインをいただけますか？Kochira ni sain o itadakemasu ka?Can I have your autograph here?
- もしよろしければ、サインをいただけますか？Moshi yoroshikereba, sain o itadakemasu ka?If it's alright, can I have your autograph?
Example conversation
Hiyori meets her favorite actor at a fan event.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、ずっと応援しています！Kenta-san, zutto ouen shite imasu!Kenta, I've been supporting you for a long time!
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます！Arigatou gozaimasu!Thank you very much!
- 陽葵 Himariあの、サインをいただけますか？Ano, sain o itadakemasu ka?Um, can I have your autograph?
- 健太 Kentaもちろんです。喜んで！Mochiron desu. Yorokonde!Of course. I'd be happy to!
