署名する
shomei suru
To sign in Japanese is 署名する (shomei suru). If unsure, use 署名する. Wiktionary also lists サインする (sain suru).
Meaning: to write one's signature on a document (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 署名する | shomei suru |
| サインする | sain suru |
The verb means to write one's signature on a document. While related to this action, other Japanese words refer to different types of signs, such as 印 or 標識 (a sign showing a fact or presence) and 記号 or 符号 (a mark or symbol used to represent something).
What does it mean word for word?
The term 署名 consists of the characters for 'signature' or 'signed name'.
Which one should you use?
署名する is used for the formal or official signing of documents, such as legal papers or contracts. In contrast, サインする is more casual and is frequently used for everyday situations or when an athlete or celebrity provides an autograph.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
shomei suru
When do people say it?
In various contexts, physical signs are also noted: the symbol for stop is 止まれ and the symbol for no entry is 進入禁止.
Did you know?
- There is a specific practice called 署名捺印 (shomei natsuin) where a person must both sign their name and press their seal onto the same document.
- In many official Japanese documents, 'signing' is actually replaced by the act of pressing a personal stamp, known as an 印 (in) or 判子 (hanko).
- The word 署名 (shomei) contains the character 署, which is also used in the word for a police station, 警察署 (keisatsusho).
Examples in context
- トムは署名するのを忘れた。Tom forgot to sign his name.This sentence is useful for showing the use of 署名する.Tatoeba #2130889 by bunbuku, translation #1025734 by CK
- この紙にサインするだけでいいんだよ。All you have to do is sign this paper.This sentence is useful for showing the use of サインする.Tatoeba #10808978 by bunbuku, translation #16683 by iamgrim
- サインする前に、契約書に一通り目を通した方がいいですよ。You should look over the contract before you sign it.Tatoeba #11344117 by bunbuku, translation #237916 by CK
- この 標識 を見て右に曲がってください。Please turn right after seeing this sign.
- あの有名なアーティストの サイン をゲットしたんだ。I got the autograph of that famous artist.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sign” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
