签约

• Pinyin: qiān yuē
• Hanzi breakdown: 签 = 竹 + 佥, to sign; 约 = 纟(silk) + 勺, agreement/contract

Meaning

To sign a contract; to sign on with. Formally entering into a contractual agreement.

Used for signing contracts with organizations: 签约艺人 (signed artist), 签约球员 (signed player), 签约仪式 (signing ceremony). Often implies joining or partnering with an entity through contract.

Examples

1. 她和一家经纪公司签约成为职业歌手。 She signed with an agency to become a professional singer.
2. 这位球员与俱乐部签约三年。 This player signed a three-year contract with the club.
3. 签约仪式将在下周一举行。 The signing ceremony will be held next Monday.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, sports, business

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 他终于和大公司签约了。(He finally signed with a big company.)
• 签约后你就是正式员工了。(After signing the contract, you'll be an official employee.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友签约了。(签约 is for formal contracts with organizations, not personal agreements with friends)

Origin & History

签 (qiān, to sign) + 约 (yuē, agreement/contract). To sign an agreement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal