Translation guide
The English word "sign" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical indicators and symbols to gestures, evidence, and formal agreements. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each core meaning.
A board, poster, or display with information, warnings, or directions.
The most common word for a physical signboard, like a shop sign, billboard, or notice board.
That shop's sign is very eye-catching.
The sign says "Open".
Refers to official signs for traffic, safety, or guidance, like road signs or warning signs.
Please drive according to the road signs.
Let's check the emergency exit signs in advance.
Often used for digital displays, signs on screens, or information shown on a device.
The train times are displayed on the electronic signboard.
A standing signboard or placard, often temporary, like a notice in a field or construction site.
There was a "No Entry" sign at the construction site.
Something that shows that a situation exists or is true.
A sign or omen of something about to happen, often used for both positive and negative changes.
Signs of economic recovery are beginning to appear.
He shows no sign of remorse at all.
A mark or sign that indicates something; often used in set phrases like "sign of friendship".
Used like the English "sign" for a signal or indication, often in abstract contexts.
A precursor or omen, often for something negative like a disaster or illness.
A movement or action used to communicate something.
A signal or cue given by gesture, sound, or light to convey a message.
He gave a sign with his hand.
I signaled with my eyes.
A gesture or body movement, often used in the phrase "gestures and signs".
A loanword for gesture, often used for expressive hand movements.
A written or printed symbol that represents something.
A general term for symbols, marks, or signs used in writing, math, music, etc.
What does this sign/symbol mean?
Learn the symbols on the map.
Often used for codes, signs, or marks in technical contexts, like plus/minus signs.
A loanword for a mark, logo, or sign, often used in branding or labeling.
One of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
To write one's signature on something.
The standard verb for signing a document or petition.
Please sign the contract.
He signed the letter.
A casual loanword for signing, often used for autographs or informal documents.
Please sign here.
To write one's name, often used in formal contexts like attendance sheets.
Please sign your name at the reception.
A system of communication using visual gestures and signs.
The standard term for sign language.
She can use sign language.
Arrange a sign language interpreter.
When expressing 'a sign of something', do not use 看板 or 標識. Use 兆し (for omens/indications) or 印 (for marks/symbols of something). Using the wrong word can cause confusion.
That's a sign of trouble.
看板 is for commercial or informational signboards. 標識 is for official regulatory signs (traffic, safety). 表示 refers to the content displayed on a sign or screen, not the physical object itself.
When asking for an autograph, use サイン. 署名 is too formal and implies a legal document. For example: サインをください (Please give me your autograph).
There's no sign of life here.
Please sign on the dotted line.
What does that sign say?
This is a sign of friendship.
Nodding is a sign of agreement.
That's a sign of danger.
地震の前兆かもしれない。
It might be a sign of an earthquake.
I explained using gestures and signs.
彼は大げさなジェスチャーで話す。
He speaks with exaggerated gestures.
Add a plus sign.
What is this sign/mark for?
十二宮のサインで占う。
Fortune-telling using the signs of the zodiac.
I got a celebrity's autograph.