Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Signature in Spanish
Firma · noun · FEER-mah
The Spanish word for signature is 'firma,' which also means 'firm' or 'company' in business contexts. The related verb is 'firmar' (to sign). A 'rúbrica' is the decorative flourish that traditionally accompanies a Spanish signature. For digital contexts, 'firma electrónica' or 'firma digital' are the standard terms.
Pronounced FEER-mah with stress on the first syllable. Two short syllables with a clear 'r' tap.
Necesito tu firma al final del contrato para que sea válido.
I need your signature at the end of the contract for it to be valid.
Signature in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for signature, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| firma | signature | FEER-mah | Default, widely understood |
| rúbrica | signature | flourish/formal signature mark | |
| autógrafo | signature | celebrity signature |
How Native Speakers Use Firma
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Legal document
Por favor, ponga su firma y fecha en cada página del documento.
Please put your signature and date on each page of the document.
Formal request using 'poner la firma' (to put one's signature) in a legal context.
Digital context
Ahora puedes agregar tu firma electrónica sin necesidad de imprimir.
Now you can add your electronic signature without needing to print.
Modern technology context with 'firma electrónica' (e-signature).
Celebrity
Los fans esperaban horas para conseguir el autógrafo de la cantante.
The fans waited hours to get the singer's autograph.
Distinguishes 'autógrafo' (celebrity signature) from 'firma' (legal signature).
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Firma
Confusing 'firma' meanings
Incorrect: Trabajo en una firma. (intending 'signature')
Correct: Trabajo en una firma. (this means 'I work at a firm/company')
'Firma' means both signature and firm/company. Context determines meaning: 'mi firma' + document = my signature; 'una firma' + business context = a company.
Using 'signatura' as a false cognate
Incorrect: Pon tu signatura aquí.
Correct: Pon tu firma aquí.
'Signatura' exists in Spanish but means something different (a library catalog number or musical key signature). For a person's signature on a document, always use 'firma.'
Lock in Signature Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Firma used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using firma in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Necesito tu firma al final del contrato para que sea válido. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Signature in Spanish
- What is a 'rúbrica' in Spanish?
- A 'rúbrica' is the decorative flourish or artistic squiggle that traditionally accompanies a Spanish signature — historically important in Spanish legal documents, it adds an extra layer of authentication beyond just the written name, making signatures harder to forge.
- How do I say 'to sign' in Spanish?
- The verb 'to sign' is 'firmar' in Spanish, used for all signing contexts — 'firmar un contrato' (to sign a contract), 'firmar un cheque' (to sign a check), 'firmar con las iniciales' (to initial/sign with initials).
- What's the difference between 'firma' and 'autógrafo'?
- A 'firma' is a legal signature used on official documents, while an 'autógrafo' is a celebrity's signature given to fans as a keepsake — the physical act may be the same, but the purpose and context differ entirely.