The word "签署" is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a specific action to create a unified concept. The first character, "签" (qiān), carries the core meaning of writing one's name or making a brief notation, as in signing an autograph or a tag. The second character, "署" (shǔ), adds the dimension of an official capacity or administrative action, implying the handling of documents or affairs in an office. When joined, they create a compound verb where "签" provides the physical act of writing and "署" provides the formal, authoritative context, resulting in the meaning "to sign (an official document)". This formation follows a common Chinese pattern where two semantically related characters reinforce each other to specify a more precise action.