署名 (shǔmíng) refers to the act of signing one's name or providing a signature, often in formal documents or letters. It conveys authenticity and personal acknowledgment, indicating that the signer agrees with the content or is responsible for it. Commonly used in legal contexts, correspondence, and artworks, this term emphasizes the importance of individual identity in documentation.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
shǔmíng(shu3ming2) T3
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
May 27, 2026
署名shǔmíng(shu3ming2)
署名 (shǔmíng) refers to the act of signing one's name or providing a signature, often in formal documents or letters. It conveys authenticity and personal acknowledgment, indicating that the signer agrees with the content or is responsible for it. Commonly used in legal contexts, correspondence, and artworks, this term emphasizes the importance of individual identity in documentation.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, signing a document often carries significant weight, reflecting trustworthiness and accountability. The act of '署名' can also be tied to traditional practices in calligraphy, where signatures are often artistically rendered and valued.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand document with a big, ornate signature at the bottom—this is your 'shǔmíng.' The character 署 (shǔ) looks like a house (宀) under which a person (者) stands, signifying that a person is 'under' their name, while 名 (míng) means 'name.' Together, they create a vivid image of someone personally marking their identity.
About 署名
署名Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 署名
Podcast: 署名
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 署名
Quick Contrast
签名 (qiānmíng) is often used interchangeably with 署名 (shǔmíng) in the context of signing, but 署名 typically implies a formal or official context, while 签名 can be more casual.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand document with a big, ornate signature at the bottom—this is your 'shǔmíng.' The character 署 (shǔ) looks like a house (宀) under which a person (者) stands, signifying that a person is 'under' their name, while 名 (míng) means 'name.' Together, they create a vivid image of someone personally marking their identity.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation, as misplacing the tones can lead to confusion with other terms. '署名' is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '签署名' (to sign one's name) and '正式署名' (formal signature).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 word, focus on its usage in formal writing and legal contexts. This word connects with other vocabulary related to documentation and identity, such as '签名' (qiānmíng, signature) and '身份' (shēnfèn, identity). Understanding context is key at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, signing a document often carries significant weight, reflecting trustworthiness and accountability. The act of '署名' can also be tied to traditional practices in calligraphy, where signatures are often artistically rendered and valued.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 署名 with 签名, thinking they can be used interchangeably. Remember that 署名 is more formal and typically used in official contexts, while 签名 is more casual. Additionally, some may forget to use the correct tones, pronouncing it as 'shumíng' instead of 'shǔmíng.'
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 署名
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 署名 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 署名 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 署名
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, signing a document often carries significant weight, reflecting trustworthiness and accountability. The act of '署名' can also be tied to traditional practices in calligraphy, where signatures are often artistically rendered and valued.
Frequently Asked Questions about 署名
署名 (shǔmíng) is more formal, often used in legal contexts, while 签名 (qiānmíng) is a general term for 'signature' and can be used in casual situations.
It's best to reserve 署名 for formal or official contexts, as it may sound out of place in casual discussions.
Yes, 签署 (qiānshǔ) implies the act of signing a document, while 署名 emphasizes the act of marking one's name, often for acknowledgment.
