firma esto
/fiɾma esto/from spelling rules
Sign this in Spanish is firma esto.
This phrase is used as a request or command for someone to write their signature on a document. In professional settings, it is very common to replace esto (this) with aquí (here) to direct the person to a specific line, as in firme aquí (sign here).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb firma (sign) and the demonstrative pronoun esto (this).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, a formal way to say sign this is firme aquí, por favor (sign here, please). In Argentina, the formal version is firme esto, por favor, while the informal version is firmá esto, por favor. In Spain, the informal firma esto, por favor is common.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form firme esto instead of firma esto when speaking to a stranger, a client or someone to whom you want to show respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiɾma esto/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a signature is not complete without a rúbrica, which is a stylized flourish or scribble drawn alongside the name. This tradition historically served as a physical security measure to prevent others from forging the person's written name.
- The Spanish verb firmar shares an ancient root with the English word 'firm', as both stem from the Latin 'firmus', meaning 'strong' or 'steadfast'.
- Using the informal firma esto in professional environments like banks or high-end hotels in many Spanish-speaking countries can be perceived as a sign of poor education or rudeness.
Examples in context
- Firma esto.Sign this.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase firma esto.Tatoeba #4506038 by cueyayotl, translation #2111555 by CK
- Por favor, ponga su firma aquí. Gracias.Please, put your signature here. Thank you.
- Le agradecería si pudiera firmar esto. Gracias.I would appreciate it if you could sign this. Thank you.
- Firma esto, por favor. Gracias.Sign this, please. Thank you.
- Toma el documento y firma esto.Take the document and sign this.
Example conversation
At an office where a contract needs to be finalized.
- SofíaJavier, firma esto para completar el proceso.Javier, sign this to complete the process.
- Javier¿Es el contrato nuevo?Is it the new contract?
- SofíaSí, firma esto aquí abajo.Yes, sign this right here below.
- JavierEstá bien, ya lo hice.Alright, I have done it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esto, firma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
