Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Bedroom"

To sign 'bedroom', you will combine the signs for 'bed' and 'room'. First, place your palms together and rest them against the side of your tilted head, mimicking sleeping on a pillow. Next, bring both hands in front of your chest with flat palms facing each other to outline the sides of a box. Finally, turn your hands so one palm faces your body and the other faces away, outlining the front and back walls of the room.

Examples Using "Bedroom" in a Sentence

1

My bedroom is upstairs.

Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'bedroom' by combining 'bed' and 'room'. Finish by pointing your index finger up or signing 'upstairs'.

2

Please clean your bedroom.

Start with the sign for 'please' by rubbing a flat hand in a circle on your chest. Then sign 'clean', 'your', and finish with the compound sign for 'bedroom'.

3

I painted my bedroom blue.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'paint' by brushing your hand up and down, sign 'my', then 'bedroom', and finally sign 'blue' by shaking a 'B' handshape.

How to Sign "Bedroom"
To sign 'bedroom', you will combine the signs for 'bed' and 'room'. First, place your palms together and rest them against the side of your tilted head, mimicking sleeping on a pillow. Next, bring both hands in front of your chest with flat palms facing each other to outline the sides of a box. Finally, turn your hands so one palm faces your body and the other faces away, outlining the front and back walls of the room.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This word is a classic example of a compound sign in ASL, combining two distinct concepts to create a new meaning. The first part visually represents resting your head on a pillow to sleep, which is the sign for 'bed'. The second part uses flat hands to outline the four walls of a physical space, which is the sign for 'room' or 'box'. Together, they literally and visually translate to 'bed-room'.
Signing Tips
Since 'bedroom' is a compound sign, focus on making the transition between 'bed' and 'room' smooth and fluid. You don't need to hold the 'bed' sign for very long; a quick, gentle tap against your cheek is enough before moving your hands down to outline the 'room'. Keep your movements relaxed and natural, ensuring the box shape for 'room' is formed comfortably in front of your chest without overextending your arms.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is outlining a massive box for the 'room' portion. Keep the room shape relatively small and contained right in front of your torso. Another frequent error is hovering your hands in the air during the 'bed' sign instead of actually making contact with your cheek. Ensure your hands gently touch the side of your face to clearly communicate the first half of the word.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Bedroom" in a Sentence
1

My bedroom is upstairs.

Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'bedroom' by combining 'bed' and 'room'. Finish by pointing your index finger up or signing 'upstairs'.

2

Please clean your bedroom.

Start with the sign for 'please' by rubbing a flat hand in a circle on your chest. Then sign 'clean', 'your', and finish with the compound sign for 'bedroom'.

3

I painted my bedroom blue.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'paint' by brushing your hand up and down, sign 'my', then 'bedroom', and finally sign 'blue' by shaking a 'B' handshape.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign both parts every time?

Yes, 'bedroom' is a compound sign consisting of 'bed' and 'room'. If you only sign 'bed', it just means the piece of furniture, not the room itself. Both parts are necessary for clarity.

Does it matter which side of my face I use for 'bed'?

You should generally use your dominant side. If you are right-handed, rest your hands on the right side of your face. This keeps your signing comfortable and naturally flows into the 'room' sign.

How big should I make the 'room' sign?

Keep it proportional to your body, roughly shoulder-width apart. Outlining a massive room takes too much effort and breaks the natural flow of the compound sign. A small, clear box shape is perfect.

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