HOME > WordMaster® > SIGNATURE vs. AUTOGRAPH vs. SIGN | 署名 vs. (有名人などの)サイン vs. 署名する
2005.08.03(Review of 2001.04.27 edition)
As if two words aren't enough to confuse, today we bring you three. You'll soon see why!
SIGNATURE vs. AUTOGRAPH vs. SIGN
署名 vs. (有名人などの)サイン vs. 署名する
- Your signature is the special written form of your name you use when writing checks, at the end of a letter, when closing a contract, etc.
The signature of a famous person, especially when written for a fan, is called an autograph.
To sign something (for example, a form or check) or to sign your name is to write your signature.
Be careful! We do NOT use the word “sign” like the Japanese サイン as a noun to mean signature. - signature は、小切手、手紙の最後、契約を結ぶときなどに書く自筆の名前、つまり署名のことです。
有名人がファンなどのために書く、いわゆるサインは、英語では autograph といいます。
sign は、署名するという意味で、sign something(例えば書類や小切手などに署名する)という言い方と、sign your name(署名する)という2通りの言い方があります。
注意:sign には、日本語の「サイン」のような、名詞の「署名」の意味はありません。
- CUSTOMER: Do I have to have a personal seal in order to open a bank account here?
BANK EMPLOYEE: No, just your signature is fine. - a: Can you read this signature?
b: No, but I think Mr. Randolph signed this. - (a fan to a movie star)
Could I have your autograph? - (a bank teller to a customer)
You'll have to sign this check on the back before I can cash it for you. - No, don't write your name in block letters. Sign your name, please.
- a: Where should I sign?
b: Please sign here on the dotted line.
That's all for today. We wish you well!
Signed,
The WordMaster!