noun HSK 5
yìn zhāng
seal · stamp · chop

Meaning

印章 refers to a carved seal or stamp traditionally used in China to sign documents, artwork, and official papers. The seal is typically carved from stone, wood, or jade, and dipped in red ink paste before being pressed onto paper.

Usage

印章 is commonly used in formal contexts, especially for official documents, contracts, bank transactions, and traditional Chinese paintings. In modern China, seals remain legally binding and are often required alongside or instead of signatures. Personal seals may contain one's name, while official seals represent companies or government offices.

Examples

  1. 01
    请在这份合同上盖上您的印章
    Qǐng zài zhè fèn tong shàng gài shàng nín de yìn zhāng.
    Please affix your seal on this contract.
  2. 02
    他收藏了很多古代的印章
    shōu cáng le hěn duō dài de yìn zhāng.
    He has collected many ancient seals.

Characters

Measure words

  • méi一枚印章
  • 两个印章

Common collocations

  • 印章
    gài yìn zhāng
    to affix a seal
  • 印章
    yìn zhāng
    to carve a seal
  • 私人印章
    rén yìn zhāng
    personal seal
  • 公司印章
    gōng yìn zhāng
    company seal

Origin

Both characters relate to official marks and authentication. 印 originally depicted a hand pressing down on something, while 章 combines 立 (standing) and 早 (early), suggesting something established and proper.

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