firmare

Firmare is an Italian verb meaning to sign, that is, to affix a signature to a document or to authorize something with a signature. It can also mean to approve or endorse in writing by signing. The noun firma denotes the signature itself. In everyday use, people say “devo firmare questo contratto” or “firma qui, per favore.”

Etymology and forms: The verb comes from the noun firma, which in turn derives from Latin firma, meaning a sign or seal. Firmare is a regular first-conjugation -are verb, with standard endings such as io firmo, tu firmi, lui/lei firma, noi firmiamo, voi firmate, loro firmano in the present indicative. The passato prossimo is formed with avere and the participle firmato (ho firmato, hai firmato, ha firmato, etc.). Other tenses include imperfect (firmavo, firmavi, firmava, ecc.) and future (firmerò, firmerai, firmerà, ecc.).

Usage and context: The verb is used for both physical signing of paper documents and actions that involve endorsing or authorizing in writing. Common expressions include firmare un contratto, firmare una ricevuta, firmare una lettera, and apporre la firma su un modulo. In legal and administrative contexts, the act of signing is often tied to formal obligations and consent.

Digital signatures: In modern contexts, firmare may refer to signing documents electronically. Italian terms include firma elettronica and firma digitale, with variations such as firma elettronica qualificata when a higher level of assurance is required. These digital signatures become legally binding under applicable national and European regulations.

Related terms: sottoscrivere (to subscribe or sign more formally), apporre la firma (to affix the signature), and firma (noun) used to refer to the signature itself.