firmar
/fiɾˈmaɾ/
The English phrase 'to sign' is translated into Spanish as firmar.
The verb firmar means to sign. Related to this, the noun la firma means 'the signature'. When discussing technology, you may encounter the phrases firma electrónica for 'electronic signature' and firma digital for 'digital signature'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the verb rubricar is used in more formal settings to refer to signing with a unique personal mark or initial. In some Latin American countries, particularly in parts of Central America and the Caribbean, signar may be used as an alternative to firmar.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiɾˈmaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use signar instead of the correct verb firmar.
Did you know?
- While la firma is 'the signature', the word firmamento (meaning 'the firmament' or 'the sky') shares the same root, as both imply something established or fixed.
- The verb firmar is used in sports to describe a player signing a contract, similar to English, but it is also used to say someone 'signed' or 'scored' a goal.
- The Spanish word firma is used as a noun for 'signature' but also describes the 'firm' or 'company' itself in business contexts.
Examples in context
- ¿Tengo que firmar algo?Do I have to sign something?This sentence is useful for asking if you are required to sign something using firmar.Tatoeba #2152696 by hayastan, translation #2064729 by CK
- Tom olvidó firmar el cheque.Tom forgot to sign the check.This sentence shows an example of forgetting to sign a check using firmar.Tatoeba #1287958 by marcelostockle, translation #1094061 by CK
- Quiero firmar los contratos.I want to sign the contracts.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to sign contracts using firmar.Tatoeba #2081607 by marcelostockle, translation #2013588 by CK
- Por favor, firme aquí.Please sign here.
- Necesito que me firme este documento.I need you to sign this document.
- ¿Podrías firmar este papelito para mí?Could you sign this piece of paper for me?
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a government office.
- SofíaMateo, ¿tienes que firmar este papel?Mateo, do you have to sign this paper?
- MateoSí, tengo que firmar para el permiso.Yes, I have to sign for the permit.
- SofíaAquí tienes un bolígrafo.Here you have a pen.
- MateoGracias, Sofía.Thanks, Sofia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry firmar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
