How to Sign "Admire"

Hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing straight up. Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand to represent eyes. Point the 'V' fingers toward the non-dominant index finger, and move your dominant hand up and down a couple of times. This motion represents your eyes looking up to or admiring someone.

Examples Using "Admire" in a Sentence

1

I really admire my teacher.

Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'admire' by keeping your non-dominant index finger steady while your dominant 'V' hand moves up and down. Finish with the sign for 'teacher'.

2

She admires his hard work.

Point to the person for 'She', sign 'admire' using the up-and-down 'V' handshape motion to show respect, and then follow up with the signs for 'his', 'hard', and 'work'.

3

We admire your art.

Sign 'We' by moving your index finger from shoulder to shoulder, then sign 'admire' by directing your 'V' handshape at your non-dominant index finger, and finish with 'your' and 'art'.

How to Sign "Admire"
Hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing straight up. Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand to represent eyes. Point the 'V' fingers toward the non-dominant index finger, and move your dominant hand up and down a couple of times. This motion represents your eyes looking up to or admiring someone.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The non-dominant index finger represents a person standing tall. The dominant 'V' handshape represents your eyes. By moving the 'V' handshape up and down while looking at the 'person', it mimics the action of 'looking up to' or looking someone over with deep respect and admiration.
Signing Tips
Make sure your dominant 'V' handshape clearly points at the non-dominant index finger. The up-and-down motion shouldn't be too large; just a subtle movement from the top of the index finger to the bottom and back up, mimicking eyes looking someone over with respect.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving the non-dominant hand instead of keeping it still. The non-dominant '1' handshape should remain stationary like a statue, while only the dominant 'V' handshape moves up and down.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Admire" in a Sentence
1

I really admire my teacher.

Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'admire' by keeping your non-dominant index finger steady while your dominant 'V' hand moves up and down. Finish with the sign for 'teacher'.

2

She admires his hard work.

Point to the person for 'She', sign 'admire' using the up-and-down 'V' handshape motion to show respect, and then follow up with the signs for 'his', 'hard', and 'work'.

3

We admire your art.

Sign 'We' by moving your index finger from shoulder to shoulder, then sign 'admire' by directing your 'V' handshape at your non-dominant index finger, and finish with 'your' and 'art'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for admiring an object, like a painting?

While this sign can sometimes be used broadly, it is most commonly and accurately used for admiring or 'looking up to' a person, since the non-dominant index finger typically represents an individual.

Does the non-dominant hand move during this sign?

No, your non-dominant hand should stay completely still in the '1' handshape. Only your dominant 'V' handshape moves up and down to represent the action of looking.

Is this the same sign as 'respect'?

They are closely related! This specific sign translates well to 'look up to' or 'admire'. 'Respect' is often signed differently (using 'R' handshapes moving forward and up), but the meanings overlap significantly in conversation.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!