Translation guide
The English word "signature" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: a handwritten name, a distinctive mark or characteristic, and the act of signing. It also touches on related concepts like autographs and digital signatures.
Your name written by hand, often in a stylized way, to endorse a document or identify yourself.
The standard word for a signature on a document, contract, or petition. It refers to the act of writing your name or the written name itself.
ここに署名をお願いします。
Please sign here.
契約書に署名する。
Sign a contract.
A loanword from English, commonly used for signatures, especially in casual contexts or for autographs. Can also mean a sign or signal.
ここにサインしてください。
Please sign here.
有名人のサインをもらった。
I got a celebrity's autograph.
Refers specifically to signing one's own name, often used in formal or legal contexts to emphasize that the signature is handwritten by the person themselves.
本人の自署が必要です。
The person's own signature is required.
Something that makes a person, thing, or place easily recognizable or unique.
A general word for a distinguishing feature or characteristic. Not limited to signatures, but often used in phrases like "signature style."
彼の料理の特徴は新鮮な食材を使うことだ。
The signature of his cooking is the use of fresh ingredients.
Literally "pronoun," but used to mean something that is synonymous with a person or thing; their defining feature. Often used in the phrase "～の代名詞".
The action of writing your signature, especially to approve or endorse something.
As a noun or verb (する), it refers to the act of signing. This is the most direct equivalent.
署名運動に参加する。
Participate in a signature campaign.
Also used for the act of signing, especially in casual or entertainment contexts.
ファンにサインする。
Sign autographs for fans.
Specifically refers to affixing a seal (hanko) instead of a handwritten signature. In Japan, official documents often require a seal rather than a signature.
Not a direct translation of "signature," but culturally equivalent in many formal situations.
A famous person's signature given to a fan.
The most common word for an autograph. Often used with もらう (to receive) or 書く (to write).
サインをください。
Can I have your autograph?
Refers to something handwritten by the person themselves, often used for autographs or manuscripts. Emphasizes authenticity.
An electronic, encrypted mark used to authenticate digital documents or messages.
The standard term for a digital signature used in electronic documents and cryptography.
電子署名を付与する。
Attach a digital signature.
署名 is the formal word for a signature on documents, while サイン is a casual loanword often used for autographs or informal signing. In business settings, 署名 is preferred. サイン can also mean a sign or signal, so context is important.
In Japan, personal seals (印鑑 or はんこ) are often used instead of handwritten signatures for official documents. While signatures are becoming more common, especially in international contexts, you may encounter situations where a seal is required. The act of affixing a seal is 捺印 (なついん).
ここに署名をお願いします。
Please put your signature here.
そのシェフの代表料理はパスタです。
The chef's signature dish is pasta.
Uses 代表料理 (representative dish) to convey "signature dish."
この書類にサインが必要です。
I need your signature on this form.
Literally "trademark," but used figuratively for a personal signature trait or gimmick, like a comedian's catchphrase or a person's habitual gesture.
彼のトレードマークは赤い帽子だ。
His signature is his red hat.
富士山は日本の代名詞だ。
Mt. Fuji is synonymous with Japan (a signature of Japan).
契約書に捺印する。
Affix a seal to the contract.
作家の直筆サイン入りの本。
A book with the author's handwritten signature.
A direct loan translation, also used but less common than 電子署名.
デジタル署名の検証。
Verification of a digital signature.