How to Write 签 (qiān) — Meaning “to sign / a lot (for divination)”

Imagine a bamboo slip (⺮) used for divination, where all (佥) the answers are written on it. Or think of signing a contract — you use a bamboo pen to sign your name for all to see.

Make sure the bamboo radical ⺮ on top is wide enough to cover the bottom part, with the left and right strokes slanting outward. The bottom part 佥 has a central vertical stroke that aligns with the center of the top, and the final two strokes (丿 and 乛) should not extend too far left.

签 means "to sign" or "lottery slip" and has the bottom part 佥. 笨 (bèn, stupid) has a different bottom — 本 (běn, root). 第 (dì, ordinal prefix) has the top ⺮ and bottom 弟 (younger brother). Focus on the bottom radical: 佥 for 签, 本 for 笨, 弟 for 第.

签 is common in travel and business contexts. For example, 签证 (qiānzhèng) is a visa, a document you get signed for travel. 签名 (qiānmíng) means signature — you sign your name on a contract or artwork. In daily life, 标签 (biāoqiān) refers to price tags or labels in stores.

Common words containing 签 include: 签名 (qiān míng) — signature / to sign one's name; 签证 (qiān zhèng) — visa; 标签 (biāo qiān) — label; tag.