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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) 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

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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

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Podcast: 签名

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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

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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.

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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.

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