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.
有名な歌手にサインをもらいました。
I got an autograph from a famous singer.
サインをください。
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.
契約書に署名してください。
Please sign the contract.
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.
印鑑を押してください。
Please stamp your seal.
この書類には印鑑が必要です。
This document requires a 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.
Also used for everyday signatures, like signing a receipt or a form. It is the most versatile term.
ここにサインをお願いします。
Please sign here.
A formal term meaning 'one's own signature,' often used in legal or official contexts to distinguish from a stamped seal.
自署が必要です。
A handwritten signature is required.
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.
判子を持っていますか？
Do you have your seal?