Definitions

qiān (verb) to sign; to autograph
qiān (noun) label; tag
qiān (noun) stick used for drawing lots

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "签", derived from its traditional form "簽", is constructed from the bamboo radical "竹" combined with the component "僉", indicating objects made from bamboo such as slips or tags. Its original meaning pertained to these slender bamboo pieces used for writing, labeling, or as tally sticks, which established a foundation for its later associations with documents and verification. Over time, the semantic scope of the character expanded to encompass acts like signing one's name or making brief annotations, while also adopting the sense of lots or sticks employed in divination practices. The simplified form "签" retains the bamboo radical but substitutes "僉" with the streamlined component "佥", maintaining the conceptual link to bamboo-based instruments.

Example Sentences Hide

我需要名。

Wǒ xūyào qiānmíng.

I need to sign.

了合同。

Tā qiānle hétong.

He signed the contract.

请在这里个字。

Qǐng zài zhèlǐ qiān gè zì.

Please sign here.

证申请很顺利。

Qiānzhèng shēnqǐng hěn shùnlì.

The visa application went smoothly.

双方订了合作协议。

Shuāngfāng qiāndìngle hézuò xiéyì.

Both parties signed a cooperation agreement.

这份文件需要负责人字。

Zhè fèn wénjiàn xūyào fùzérén qiānzì.

This document requires the responsible person's signature.

移民证的审批过程相当复杂。

Yímín qiānzhèng de shěnpǐ guòchéng xiāngdāng fùzá.

The approval process for immigration visas is quite complex.

署正式协议之前,必须仔细阅读所有条款。

Zài qiānshǔ zhèngshì xiéyì zhīqián, bìxū zǐxì yuèdú suǒyǒu tiáokuǎn.

Before signing the formal agreement, one must carefully read all the terms.