firmar
/feer-MAHR/
to sign
Use firmar when you need to sign a contract or legal document.
firmar(verb)
to sign
?a contract or legal document
to put one's signature on
?formal written agreement
📝 In Action
Necesitas firmar el contrato antes de empezar a trabajar.
A1You need to sign the contract before starting work.
¿Dónde debo firmar?
A1Where should I sign?
Ya firmamos los papeles para la casa nueva.
A2We already signed the papers for the new house.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Use
Unlike some English phrases ('sign up'), 'firmar' is used directly with what is being signed (firmar el contrato, firmar la carta).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Sign' Meanings
Mistake: "Usar 'firmar' para 'señal' (sign/signal)."
Correction: 'Señal' means signal or road sign. 'Firmar' is only for putting your name on something written. Never use 'firmar' for a traffic sign!
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Action
Think of 'firmar' as the official act of authenticating a document with your legal name.
Celebrities often firmar their names to autograph items for fans.
📝 In Action
El autor va a firmar libros después de la lectura.
A2The author is going to sign books after the reading.
Le pedimos al futbolista que nos firmara la camiseta.
B1We asked the soccer player to sign our jersey.
When you firmar something, you might be signing off on or officially approving it.
📝 In Action
El ministro firmó la nueva política de vivienda.
B1The minister signed off on the new housing policy.
Parece que la junta directiva no quiere firmar esa decisión.
B2It seems the board of directors doesn't want to approve that decision.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In this context, 'firmar' is often used when discussing legislation, treaties, or high-level corporate decisions, symbolizing the final agreement or commitment.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: firmar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'firmar'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'firmar' used for electronic signatures?
Yes, absolutely. You can say 'firmar digitalmente' (to sign digitally) or 'firmar con la tableta' (to sign with the tablet). The concept remains the same: authenticating a document with your name.
How do I say 'sign up' for a class or service?
'Firmar' is only for physical or digital signatures on documents. To 'sign up' for something, you usually use 'inscribirse' or 'apuntarse'.