署名

• Reading: しょめい
• Romaji: shomei
• Kanji breakdown: 署 (sho) — government office, to sign; 名 (mei) — name
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.meː/

Meaning

Signature. The act of signing one's name on a document.

A suru-verb (署名する) used for formally signing documents, petitions, and treaties. More formal than サイン, which is used casually. As an intransitive suru-verb, it often appears with に to indicate what is being signed.

Examples

1. 契約書に署名してからコピーをもらった。 After signing the contract, I received a copy.
2. 環境保護のための署名活動に参加した。 I participated in a signature campaign for environmental protection.
3. 両国の代表が条約に署名した。 Representatives from both countries signed the treaty.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, petitions, official documents

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 署 (sho, government office/to sign) and 名 (mei, name). Literally 'signing one's name,' originally associated with official documents in government offices.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal