签

• Pinyin: qiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 签 = 竹 (bamboo) + 佥 (all), originally a bamboo stick; extended to signing

Meaning

To sign; to autograph. Writing one's name to confirm agreement or authenticity.

Used for signing documents: 签合同 (sign a contract), 签收 (sign for receipt), 签到 (sign in/check in). As a noun, means a thin stick or label: 书签 (bookmark), 牙签 (toothpick), 抽签 (draw lots).

Examples

1. 请在这里签上你的名字。 Please sign your name here.
2. 快递员让我签收了包裹。 The delivery person had me sign for the package.
3. 他每天早上都准时到公司签到。 He arrives at the company on time every morning to sign in.

Usage Guide

Context: documents, delivery, attendance

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 合同我已经签好了。(I've already signed the contract.)
• 请在收据上签个字。(Please sign the receipt.)

Don't Say

• 我签了我的名字给他。(Awkward phrasing — say 我给他签了名 or 我在上面签了字)

Origin & History

Originally meant a thin bamboo stick; extended to signing because contracts were marked with such sticks, then by signature.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal