inscribed bamboo stick (used in divination, gambling, drawing lots etc)
HSK 5, v, 13 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #1179, Hard
签
qiān
small wood sliver
HSK 5, v, 13 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #1179, Hard
签
qiān
label
HSK 5, v, 13 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #1179, Hard
签
qiān
tag
HSK 5, v, 13 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #1179, Hard
签
qiān
to sign, to endorse; a note, a slip of paper
HSK 5, v, 13 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #1179, Hard
qiān(qian1) T1
1to sign one's name
2visa
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
签(簽)qiān(qian1)
The character 签 (qiān) primarily means 'to sign one's name' and is often used in contexts involving contracts, documents, or agreements. It can also refer to a visa or a slip of paper, such as a tag or label. Its usage can imply endorsement or approval, making it significant in both formal and informal settings.
Strokes13Radical⺮Frequency#1179DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, signing documents often carries significant weight and involves rituals, especially in business dealings. The act of signing is viewed as a solemn commitment, reflecting the importance of trust in relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of 签 (qiān) as a sign of commitment. The radical '竹' (bamboo) suggests that signing is a natural, straightforward action, like writing on a bamboo slip. Picture a character signing a bamboo contract under a tree, cementing their agreement.
Meanings of 签
qiān(qian1)
1to sign one's name
2visa
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 签
签Simplified
簽Traditional
13Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1179Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 签
Podcast: 签
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AI Study Notes for 签
Quick Contrast
签名 (qiān míng) vs 签署 (qiān shǔ) — use 签 when referring to the act of signing in a general sense, while 签署 specifically implies signing a formal document or agreement.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 签 (qiān) as a sign of commitment. The radical '竹' (bamboo) suggests that signing is a natural, straightforward action, like writing on a bamboo slip. Picture a character signing a bamboo contract under a tree, cementing their agreement.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 签 (qiān) with other similar-sounding words. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone can affect its meaning. For example, using '签' in a casual conversation about signing a document might be appropriate, but it sounds more professional in legal discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 签 connects with terms related to legal and administrative contexts, such as 合同 (hétong - contract) and 签字 (qiānzì - signature). Focus on practicing sentences that incorporate these terms to enhance your understanding of their relationships.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, signing documents often carries significant weight and involves rituals, especially in business dealings. The act of signing is viewed as a solemn commitment, reflecting the importance of trust in relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 签 (qiān) with 牵 (qiān), which means 'to pull' or 'to lead.' For instance, saying '我需要牵名' (Wǒ xūyào qiān míng) instead of '我需要签名' (Wǒ xūyào qiān míng) is incorrect. Always remember that 签 is about signing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 签
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Grammar Patterns of 签
签 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
I shouldn't be dining in college tonight. Would you mind signing me out?
10
我在自己的一本书上签了名。
wǒ zài zì jǐ de yī běn shū shàng qiān le míng。
I autographed a copy of one of my books.
Cultural Notes for 签
💡Did you know?
In China, signing a document usually involves using a chop (seal) instead of a signature. Chops have been used for thousands of years and are a traditional way to authenticate documents.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, signing documents often carries significant weight and involves rituals, especially in business dealings. The act of signing is viewed as a solemn commitment, reflecting the importance of trust in relationships.
Word Family of 签
Words Containing This Character20
签qiānlabel籤
签名qiānmíngto autograph簽名
签署qiānshǔto sign (an agreement)簽署
签订qiāndìngto agree to and sign (a treaty etc)簽訂
签字qiānzìsignature簽字
签约qiānyuēto sign a contract or agreement簽約
标签biāoqiānlabel標籤
签到to register簽到
签证qiānzhèngvisa簽證
抽签chōuqiānto draw lots抽籤
签发to issue (a document)簽發
牙签toothpick牙籤
签定to sign (a contract, treaty etc)簽定
签收to sign for the acceptance of sth (e.g. a delivery etc)簽收
书签bookmark書籤
中签to win a ballot中簽
续签to renew a contract續簽
签字笔felt-tip pen簽字筆
题签to write the title of a book on a label題簽
签条label籤條
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 签 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 签
签 (qiān) refers to the act of signing or the concept of a visa, while 签名 (qiānmíng) specifically means 'signature' or 'to sign one's name.' In other words, 签 is the verb, and 签名 is the noun form of the action.
Yes, 签 is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in contexts involving signing documents or discussing visas. It is important for learners to know this character, as it frequently appears in both formal and informal situations.
签 (qiān) has several meanings in Chinese. It primarily means 'to sign one's name' or refers to a 'visa.' Additionally, it can denote a 'tag' or a variant of the character 籤 (qiān).
You can use 签 in a sentence to indicate signing a document, such as '我需要签这个文件' (I need to sign this document). Additionally, it can be used in contexts related to visas, for instance, '我刚刚申请了签证' (I just applied for a visa).
You can say '请在这里签名' (Qǐng zài zhèlǐ qiānmíng), which means 'Please sign your name here.'
Common phrases include 签合同 (qiān hétong - to sign a contract) and 签名 (qiān míng - to sign a name).
No, 签 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone and setting should match the level of formality.
