PocketSign
Practice

CL:V for Legs and Sitting

CL:V can show legs, walking, standing, jumping, sitting, or a person moving with visible leg action.

All Classifiers lessons
ASL signer showing an upside-down V handshape for legs

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

CL:V uses the index and middle fingers spread apart. Upside down, the fingers can represent legs.

Use CL:V when the leg action matters: walking, jumping, standing, sitting, skating, or falling.

A bent V can show a person sitting or a small animal crouching.

LegsUpside-down CL:V shows two legs.
ActionMove the fingers and hand to show walking, jumping, or falling.
Bent VBending the fingers can show sitting or crouching.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the classifier movement clear and keep the location steady.

  1. Sign PERSON, then use CL:V upside down to show standing.
  2. Move CL:V forward with small alternating movement to show walking.
  3. Bend the V and lower it onto your other palm to show sitting on a chair.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill explains the classifier movement, not an extra sign.

ASL linePERSON,CL:V stand.
MeaningA person is standing.
TipThe two fingers act like legs.
Classifier movementstandHold upside-down CL:V still, like two legs standing.
ASL linePERSON,CL:V jump.
MeaningA person jumps.
TipMove the V up and down to show the jump.
Classifier movementjumpMove CL:V up and down to show the legs jumping.
ASL linePERSON,bent-CL:V sit.
MeaningA person sits down.
TipBent fingers show the seated shape.
Classifier movementsitBend CL:V, lower it to the seat spot, then hold it there.

Common Mistake

Do not use CL:V when you only need to show one person standing in a spot. CL:1 is often simpler for that.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

CL:1 and CL:V can both refer to people, but they highlight different information. CL:1 highlights the person as a whole. CL:V highlights legs or body position.