How to Sign "Adore"

To sign "adore" (often referred to as "kiss-fist" in ASL), start by forming your dominant hand into an "S" handshape, making a closed fist. Bring the back of your fist to your mouth and lightly touch it to your lips. Finally, move your fist forward and slightly downward away from your face. This sign is commonly used to express that you absolutely love or are a huge fan of something.

Examples Using "Adore" in a Sentence

1

I absolutely adore that new movie!

Sign 'movie', then use the 'adore' sign with an enthusiastic facial expression to show your strong preference for it.

2

She adores chocolate ice cream.

Point to 'she', sign 'chocolate' and 'ice cream', and finish with the 'adore' sign to show how much she loves it.

3

I adore reading books on rainy days.

Sign 'rain', 'day', and 'read book', followed by the 'adore' sign to express how much you enjoy that activity.

How to Sign "Adore"
To sign "adore" (often referred to as "kiss-fist" in ASL), start by forming your dominant hand into an "S" handshape, making a closed fist. Bring the back of your fist to your mouth and lightly touch it to your lips. Finally, move your fist forward and slightly downward away from your face. This sign is commonly used to express that you absolutely love or are a huge fan of something.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually motivated by the universal gesture of kissing something you love. By kissing the back of your fist and presenting it forward, you physically demonstrate your strong affection and enthusiasm.
Signing Tips
For extra emphasis, you can exaggerate the forward motion of your fist and use a passionate, excited facial expression to show just how much you adore the subject. Make sure your lips touch the back of your hand, not your palm.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using this sign to express romantic love for a person. In ASL, this specific "adore" sign is typically reserved for things you are a huge fan of—like a favorite food, movie, or hobby—rather than saying "I love you" to a partner.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Adore" in a Sentence
1

I absolutely adore that new movie!

Sign 'movie', then use the 'adore' sign with an enthusiastic facial expression to show your strong preference for it.

2

She adores chocolate ice cream.

Point to 'she', sign 'chocolate' and 'ice cream', and finish with the 'adore' sign to show how much she loves it.

3

I adore reading books on rainy days.

Sign 'rain', 'day', and 'read book', followed by the 'adore' sign to express how much you enjoy that activity.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to tell someone I love them?

No, this sign is generally used to express a strong liking or fandom for things, such as a favorite food, band, or activity. For romantic or familial love, use the standard 'love' sign by crossing your arms over your chest.

Do I actually have to kiss my hand?

You don't have to make a loud kissing sound or leave a mark, but your lips should lightly touch the back of your fist—or come very close to it—before you move your hand forward.

Is 'adore' signed the same way as 'love'?

It depends on the context. In ASL, 'adore' in the sense of being a huge fan of something uses this 'kiss-fist' motion. The general sign for 'love' (crossing arms over the chest) is different and usually reserved for people or deep emotional bonds.

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