判子(はんこ)

はんこ
noun
seal, stamp (for signatures)
1. seal, stamp, personal seal
A carved stamp used in Japan instead of a handwritten signature for official documents, contracts, and everyday transactions.
契約書(けいやくしょ)に判子(はんこ)を押(お)してください。
Please stamp your seal on the contract.
銀行(ぎんこう)で新(あたら)しい口座(こうざ)を開(ひら)くには判子(はんこ)が必要(ひつよう)です。
You need a seal to open a new bank account.
宅配便(たくはいびん)を受(う)け取(と)るとき、判子(はんこ)かサインが要(い)る。
When receiving a delivery, you need either a seal or a signature.

判子(はんこ) is an essential item in Japanese daily life, used for signing documents, receiving packages, and official paperwork.

Types of seals:

  • 認印(みとめいん) (personal seal for everyday use)
  • 実印(じついん) (registered seal for important documents)
  • 銀行印(ぎんこういん) (bank seal)
  • シャチハタ (self-inking stamp, brand name often used generically)

Common expressions:

Related terms:

Cultural note:
While signatures are becoming more common, seals remain important in Japan for 銀行(ぎんこう) accounts, contracts, and official documents.

general
Added 2026.1.13 20:59 · Revised 2026.2.3 12:05
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