Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an autograph is most commonly expressed with the word サイン, a loanword from English. This covers signatures from celebrities, athletes, and other public figures. There are also native Japanese terms for personal seals and handwritten signatures used in formal contexts.
The learner wants to refer to a signature obtained from a famous person, such as a celebrity, athlete, or artist, often as a fan.
The most common and natural word for an autograph from a celebrity or public figure. It is a loanword from English and is widely understood.
I got an autograph from a famous singer.
Can I have your autograph?
A formal term for a signature, often used in official documents or petitions. It can also refer to an autograph in a more formal sense, but サイン is preferred for casual celebrity autographs.
The learner wants to refer to a personal stamp or seal used in place of a signature in Japan, often for official documents.
Refers to the personal seal or stamp itself, as well as the impression it makes. It is used for official documents, bank transactions, and contracts.
Please stamp your seal.
A more casual term for a personal seal. Often used in everyday conversation.
The learner wants to refer to a handwritten signature, such as on a credit card receipt or a personal letter, not necessarily from a famous person.
サイン is the general term for a signature, including autographs. 署名 is a formal signature, often on documents. 印鑑 refers to a personal seal used instead of a signature in many official situations in Japan. For asking a celebrity for an autograph, always use サイン.
契約書に署名してください。
Please sign the contract.
This document requires a seal.
判子を持っていますか？
Do you have your seal?
A handwritten signature is required.