Inklingo

How to Say "to sign" in Spanish

English → Spanish

firmar

feer-MAHRfiɾˈmaɾ

verbA1General
Use 'firmar' when you are signing a physical document, like a contract, a check, or your name on a piece of paper.
A person's hand holding a black fountain pen, actively signing their name on a large, white legal document lying flat on a wooden desk.

Examples

Por favor, firma aquí.

Please sign here.

Necesitas firmar el contrato antes de empezar a trabajar.

You need to sign the contract before starting work.

¿Dónde debo firmar?

Where should I sign?

Ya firmamos los papeles para la casa nueva.

We already signed the papers for the new house.

Direct Use

Unlike some English phrases ('sign up'), 'firmar' is used directly with what is being signed (firmar el contrato, firmar la carta).

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!

firmar

feer-MAHRfiɾˈmaɾ

verbA2General
Use 'firmar' when an author or celebrity is signing their name on a personal item, such as a book or photograph, for a fan.
A person's hand holding a black fountain pen, actively signing their name on a large, white legal document lying flat on a wooden desk.

Examples

El jugador firmó la camiseta para el niño.

The player signed the jersey for the child.

Necesitas firmar el contrato antes de empezar a trabajar.

You need to sign the contract before starting work.

¿Dónde debo firmar?

Where should I sign?

Ya firmamos los papeles para la casa nueva.

We already signed the papers for the new house.

Direct Use

Unlike some English phrases ('sign up'), 'firmar' is used directly with what is being signed (firmar el contrato, firmar la carta).

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!

suscribir

soo-skree-BEERsus.kɾi.ˈβiɾ

verbB2Formal
Use 'suscribir' in a more formal context to indicate agreement or endorsement, often of ideas, principles, or official documents like treaties.
Two people standing together, both giving a thumbs up with happy expressions.

Examples

Suscribo la propuesta de mejora del proyecto.

I endorse the proposal for project improvement.

Suscribo totalmente tus palabras.

I totally agree with/endorse your words.

Ambos países suscribieron un tratado de paz.

Both countries signed a peace treaty.

Muchos científicos suscriben esta teoría.

Many scientists endorse this theory.

Direct Agreement

When agreeing with an opinion, you don't need 'con' (with). You just say 'Suscribo tu opinión' (I endorse your opinion).

Firmar vs. Suscribir

Learners often confuse 'firmar' and 'suscribir'. Remember that 'firmar' is for putting your signature on something, while 'suscribir' is more about formally agreeing with or endorsing something, especially in a conceptual or official sense.

Related Translations

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