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.
あの店の看板はとても目立つ。
That shop's sign is very eye-catching.
看板に「営業中」と書いてある。
The sign says "Open".
Refers to official signs for traffic, safety, or guidance, like road signs or warning signs.
道路標識に従って運転してください。
Please drive according to the road signs.
非常口の標識を確認しておきましょう。
Let's check the emergency exit signs in advance.
Often used for digital displays, signs on screens, or information shown on a device.
電光掲示板に電車の時刻が表示されている。
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.
工事現場に「立ち入り禁止」の立て札があった。
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.
景気回復の兆しが見えてきた。
Signs of economic recovery are beginning to appear.
彼には反省の兆しが全くない。
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.
それは危険のサインだ。
That's a sign of danger.
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.
彼は手で合図を送った。
He gave a sign with his hand.
目で合図して知らせた。
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.
この記号は何を意味しますか？
What does this sign/symbol mean?
地図の記号を覚える。
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.
The general word for constellation or zodiac sign.
あなたの星座は何ですか？
What's your sign?
私は牡羊座です。
I'm an Aries.
Refers specifically to the twelve signs of the zodiac as a system.
To write one's signature on something.
The standard verb for signing a document or petition.
契約書に署名してください。
Please sign the contract.
彼は手紙に署名した。
He signed the letter.
A casual loanword for signing, often used for autographs or informal documents.
ここにサインしてください。
Please sign here.
有名人にサインをもらった。
I got a celebrity's autograph.
To write one's name, often used in formal contexts like attendance sheets.
受付で記名してください。
Please sign your name at the reception.
A system of communication using visual gestures and signs.
The standard term for sign language.
彼女は手話ができる。
She can use sign language.
手話通訳者を手配する。
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.
それは問題の兆しだ。
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).
ここには生命の兆しがない。
There's no sign of life here.
点線のところに署名してください。
Please sign on the dotted line.
あの看板には何て書いてあるの？
What does that sign say?
This is a sign of friendship.
うなずくのは同意の印だ。
Nodding is a sign of agreement.
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.