Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
签名 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
签名qiānmíngto sign (one's name with a pen etc)HSK 5, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #2219, Hard
签名qiānmíngto autographHSK 5, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #2219, Hard
签名qiānmíngsignatureHSK 5, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #2219, Hard
qiānmíng(qian1ming2)qian ming T1
  1. 1to sign (one's name with a pen etc)
  2. 2to autograph
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

签名(簽名)qiānmíng(qian1ming2)

签名 (qian1 ming2) refers to the act of signing one's name, typically to authenticate a document or as an autograph. It is commonly used in both formal contexts, such as signing contracts, and informal contexts, like signing a book for a fan. The nuance suggests personal endorsement and ownership.

Strokes19Frequency#2219DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, signing one's name holds significant importance, especially in formal contexts where it represents trust and authenticity. The act of signing can also be seen in traditional settings, such as signing a marriage certificate.

Memory Tip

Imagine a quill pen (签) that you use to sign your name (名). Picture yourself at a book signing event, where you are surrounded by fans eagerly awaiting your signature. The pen and the name together create a vivid image of the signing process.

Meanings of 签名

qiānmíng(qian1ming2)
1to sign (one's name with a pen etc)
2to autograph
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 签名 means.

About 签名

签名Simplified
簽名Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 签名

JasonAmy

Podcast: 签名

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 签名

Quick Contrast

签字 (qiānzì) vs 签名 (qiānmíng): 签字 typically refers to signing a document in a more formal or legal context, while 签名 emphasizes a personal or artistic signature.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tones; '签' (qian1) has a high level tone while '名' (ming2) has a rising tone. Common collocations include '签名的文件' (signed document) and '签名比赛' (signature contest). It's generally used in both formal and informal registers.

HSK Study Tips

As a word that could appear in HSK Level 4 or higher, focus on understanding its practical applications in everyday situations, such as legal documents or personal interactions. This word connects to others related to writing and communication, like '写' (to write) and '文件' (document).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'qiān míng' instead of 'qiān míng'. Another common mistake is using it inappropriately in casual contexts, like saying '签名我爱你' (signing I love you) instead of simply expressing love verbally.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 签名

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 签名 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 签名 to You

Let me explain 签名 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 签名 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 签名?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 签名 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

签qiānto sign one's name
HSK 513 strokes⺮
View full entry
名míngname
HSK 26 strokes口
View full entry

How to say to sign (one's name with a pen etc) in Chinese

“to sign (one's name with a pen etc)” in Chinese is签名qiānmíng

签名 (qian1 ming2) refers to the act of signing one's name, typically to authenticate a document or as an autograph. It is commonly used in both formal contexts, such as signing contracts, and informal contexts, like signing a book for a fan. The nuance suggests personal endorsement and ownership.

When to use 签名

Be careful with the tones; '签' (qian1) has a high level tone while '名' (ming2) has a rising tone. Common collocations include '签名的文件' (signed document) and '签名比赛' (signature contest). It's generally used in both formal and informal registers.

签名 or something close to it

签字 (qiānzì) vs 签名 (qiānmíng): 签字 typically refers to signing a document in a more formal or legal context, while 签名 emphasizes a personal or artistic signature.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'qiān míng' instead of 'qiān míng'. Another common mistake is using it inappropriately in casual contexts, like saying '签名我爱你' (signing I love you) instead of simply expressing love verbally.

Write 签名

签
名

Practice writing 签名 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 签名?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 签名

You can say '请在这里签名' (Please sign here) to ask someone to sign a document.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 签名?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab