In English (and other alphabet-based, I suppose), we have "printing" (writing in block letters, each letter standing on its own, grouped together to form words) and "cursive" writing (each letter in a word flows seamlessly into its neighbor). When we "sign" documents, we generally use cursive.
I was wondering, then, if there is some equivalent to "cursive" when writing Japanese? How does one "sign" a check or legal document?
Is there a Japanese equvalent of "cursive" writing?
Re: Is there a Japanese equvalent of "cursive" writing?
Yes. There are semi-cursive and cursive styles.Snowflake wrote:I was wondering, then, if there is some equivalent to "cursive" when writing Japanese?
Usually with a hanko (official seal.)How does one "sign" a check or legal document?
Richard VanHouten
ゆきの物語
ゆきの物語
-
- Posts: 201
- Joined: Thu 01.24.2008 7:04 pm
- Native language: English
- Location: New England, USA
Re: Is there a Japanese equvalent of "cursive" writing?
Thank you, Richvhさん!
Based on your answers, I did a little more digging. From what I read, it seems that good penmanship is still valued in Japan, even now when most people "write" electronically most of the time. One of my goals is to make sure my Japanese writing is proper, legible and something to be proud of.
The hanko information was interesting, too. I found a few articles on them, including a place to order them (it included pictures and prices!). Of particular interest was an article I read regarding how one should consider safeguarding one's hanko. I imagine it would be like taking care not to write your PIN on the back of your debit card.
Do people generally carry their hankos (I hope that is the proper plural) with them everywhere, in case they have to sign something like a credit card slip? Or is merely writing one's name in one's everyday kanji/katakana handwriting usually sufficient for all except big things (contracts, mortgage documents, etc.)?
Based on your answers, I did a little more digging. From what I read, it seems that good penmanship is still valued in Japan, even now when most people "write" electronically most of the time. One of my goals is to make sure my Japanese writing is proper, legible and something to be proud of.
The hanko information was interesting, too. I found a few articles on them, including a place to order them (it included pictures and prices!). Of particular interest was an article I read regarding how one should consider safeguarding one's hanko. I imagine it would be like taking care not to write your PIN on the back of your debit card.
Do people generally carry their hankos (I hope that is the proper plural) with them everywhere, in case they have to sign something like a credit card slip? Or is merely writing one's name in one's everyday kanji/katakana handwriting usually sufficient for all except big things (contracts, mortgage documents, etc.)?
- Harisenbon
- Posts: 2964
- Joined: Tue 06.14.2005 3:24 am
- Native language: (poor) English
- Location: Gifu, Japan
- Contact:
Re: Is there a Japanese equvalent of "cursive" writing?
A signature (in kanji) is often used in place of a hanko for most smalltime transactions such as credit card receipts because of the danger of carrying around and losing (or having stolen) your hanko.Snowflake wrote:Thank you, Richvhさん!
Do people generally carry their hankos (I hope that is the proper plural) with them everywhere, in case they have to sign something like a credit card slip? Or is merely writing one's name in one's everyday kanji/katakana handwriting usually sufficient for all except big things (contracts, mortgage documents, etc.)?
However, anything semi-official such as public business, banking, insurance, etc requires a hanko, and cannot be signed off with a signature. In some cases you must also use a officially registered hanko in order to process certain documents (buying a car and insurance to name a couple).
-
- Posts: 201
- Joined: Thu 01.24.2008 7:04 pm
- Native language: English
- Location: New England, USA
Re: Is there a Japanese equvalent of "cursive" writing?
Thank you for the additional information, Harisenbonさん!