qiānzì: 签字 - To Sign, Signature

• Keywords: 签字, qianzi, Chinese for sign, signature in Chinese, how to sign in Chinese, sign a contract Chinese, 签合同, official signature, 签名, Chinese verb for sign.
• Summary: Learn how to use the essential Chinese verb 签字 (qiānzì), which means “to sign” or “to affix a signature.” This page provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on how to use `签字` in practical situations, from signing a contract (签合同) to accepting a package. Discover the cultural significance of a signature in China, how it compares to the traditional use of official seals (chops), and learn the crucial difference between `签字` and its close relative, `签名 (qiānmíng)`.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): qiānzì
• Part of Speech: Verb (Verb-Object compound)
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To sign one's name; to affix a signature.
• In a Nutshell: `签字` is the direct and most common way to say “to sign” in Chinese. It refers to the physical act of writing your name on a document to show agreement, authorization, or receipt. Think of it as the action word you use when a pen meets paper for an official purpose.

• 签 (qiān): The top part, 竹 (zhú), means “bamboo.” Historically, bamboo slips were used for writing and for making tallies or labels. This character evolved to mean “to sign,” “to label,” or “a sticker/slip.” It represents the idea of marking something for identification or agreement.
• 字 (zì): This character simply means “character,” “word,” or “letter.” It's one of the most fundamental characters in Chinese.
• Combined Meaning: Together, `签字 (qiānzì)` literally means “to sign a character/word.” This logically combines to mean signing your name, which is made of characters, onto a document.

In China, as in the West, a signature is a legally binding mark of personal agreement and responsibility. However, its role is uniquely complemented by the traditional practice of using a personal seal or “chop” (印章, yìnzhāng).

• Signature vs. The Chop (印章): While a handwritten signature (`签字`) is used for countless everyday transactions like credit card slips and package deliveries, the red ink stamp from a chop is often considered more official and harder to forge. For major corporate, legal, and government documents, it is very common to require both a signature and an official chop (a practice called `签字盖章`, qiānzì gàizhāng). This dual system reflects a blend of modern international practice with a centuries-old tradition of authentication. For a Westerner doing business in China, understanding that a signature alone might not be sufficient is a crucial cultural insight.
• Personal Responsibility: Signing your name is a serious act. It signifies that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms laid out in a document. This concept of taking personal responsibility for one's mark is universal, but the added layer of the chop in formal contexts emphasizes the weight and finality of the commitment in Chinese culture.

`签字` is a high-frequency word used in formal and semi-formal contexts.

• Legal and Business: This is the most common context. You `签字` on contracts (合同), agreements (协议), bank forms, and official applications. It is the standard term for executing a legal document.
• Everyday Life: You `签字` when you receive a registered letter or a package (快递, kuàidì), sign a receipt at a hotel, or sign into a visitor's logbook.
• Formality: The term is neutral to formal. It's not something you'd typically use in a very casual conversation with friends unless you were specifically talking about an official matter.

• Example 1:
  • 请在这里签字。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng zài zhèlǐ qiānzì.
  • English: Please sign here.
  • Analysis: This is perhaps the most common phrase you will hear involving `签字`. It's a polite and direct instruction often used by staff at banks, offices, or delivery services.
• Example 2:
  • 签字之前，请仔细阅读合同。
  • Pinyin: Qiānzì zhīqián, qǐng zǐxì yuèdú hétong.
  • English: Before signing, please read the contract carefully.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the serious nature of signing. `之前 (zhīqián)` means “before,” making this a crucial piece of advice.
• Example 3:
  • 快递员让我签字确认收货。
  • Pinyin: Kuàidìyuán ràng wǒ qiānzì quèrèn shōuhuò.
  • English: The delivery person had me sign to confirm receipt of the goods.
  • Analysis: A perfect example from daily life. `确认 (quèrèn)` means “to confirm,” and `收货 (shōuhuò)` means “to receive goods.”
• Example 4:
  • 经理已经在这份文件上签字了。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ yǐjīng zài zhè fèn wénjiàn shàng qiānzì le.
  • English: The manager has already signed this document.
  • Analysis: Shows the use of `签字` in a business hierarchy. The particle `了 (le)` indicates the action is complete.
• Example 5:
  • 他拒绝在离婚协议上签字。
  • Pinyin: Tā jùjué zài líhūn xiéyì shàng qiānzì.
  • English: He refused to sign the divorce agreement.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the use of `签字` in a negative context with `拒绝 (jùjué)`, meaning “to refuse.”
• Example 6:
  • 双方签字后，协议立即生效。
  • Pinyin: Shuāngfāng qiānzì hòu, xiéyì lìjí shēngxiào.
  • English: After both parties sign, the agreement takes effect immediately.
  • Analysis: `双方 (shuāngfāng)` means “both parties,” and `生效 (shēngxiào)` means “to take effect.” This is common legal and contractual language.
• Example 7:
  • 对不起，我不能替他签字。
  • Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, wǒ bùnéng tì tā qiānzì.
  • English: Sorry, I can't sign for him.
  • Analysis: The word `替 (tì)` means “on behalf of” or “for.” This sentence illustrates the personal nature of a signature.
• Example 8:
  • 你需要用你的法定姓名签字。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ xūyào yòng nǐ de fǎdìng xìngmíng qiānzì.
  • English: You need to sign using your legal name.
  • Analysis: `法定姓名 (fǎdìng xìngmíng)` is “legal name.” This is an important instruction for official documents.
• Example 9:
  • 我们需要客户签字并盖章。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào kèhù qiānzì bìng gàizhāng.
  • English: We need the client to sign and affix their seal.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly illustrates the cultural point about signatures and seals. `盖章 (gàizhāng)` means “to stamp a seal.”
• Example 10:
  • 请在每一页的右下角签字。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng zài měi yī yè de yòu xià jiǎo qiānzì.
  • English: Please sign on the bottom right corner of every page.
  • Analysis: A practical and specific instruction you might encounter when dealing with a multi-page document.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `签字 (qiānzì)` and `签名 (qiānmíng)`.

• 签字 (qiānzì) vs. 签名 (qiānmíng):
  • `签字 (qiānzì)` is almost exclusively used as a verb meaning “to perform the act of signing.” It emphasizes the action itself, especially in a formal or procedural context.
  • `签名 (qiānmíng)` is more versatile. It can be a verb (“to sign”), often used interchangeably with `签字`. However, it is also very commonly used as a noun meaning “a signature.”
• Common Mistake: Using `签字` as a noun.
  • Incorrect: 这是我的签字。 (Zhè shì wǒ de qiānzì.)
  • Correct: 这是我的签名。 (Zhè shì wǒ de qiānmíng.)
  • Explanation: When you are referring to the signature itself (the name you wrote), you must use the noun `签名`.
• Autographs: While you could technically ask a celebrity to `签字`, the more natural and common term for getting an autograph is `签名`.
  • More Natural: 你能给我签个名吗？(Nǐ néng gěi wǒ qiān ge míng ma?) - Can you sign an autograph for me?

• 签名 (qiānmíng) - A close relative. Can be a verb (“to sign”) but is most often the noun for “a signature.”
• 合同 (hétong) - Contract; a typical document that requires you to `签字`.
• 盖章 (gàizhāng) - To affix an official seal/chop; often done in addition to `签字` on formal documents.
• 印章 (yìnzhāng) - The physical seal or chop used to `盖章`.
• 文件 (wénjiàn) - Document, file; the general term for what you sign.
• 协议 (xiéyì) - Agreement; another type of formal document that requires a signature.
• 批准 (pīzhǔn) - To approve, to ratify. This is a more abstract verb for giving official approval, which is the ultimate purpose of a `签字`.
• 收据 (shōujù) - Receipt; an everyday item that you might need to sign.
• 手写 (shǒuxiě) - Handwritten. A signature is a form of `手写`.