How to Sign "Birthday"
To sign 'birthday', relax the dominant hand and bring the middle finger in at the knuckle. Touch the tip of the middle finger to the bottom lip, then bring the hand down to touch the tip of the middle finger to the sternum.
Examples Using "Birthday" in a Sentence
1
Happy birthday!
Sign 'happy' by brushing your flat hands upward on your chest, then transition into the 'birthday' sign by touching your bent middle finger to your bottom lip and then your sternum. Don't forget to add a warm, celebratory smile!
2
When is your birthday?
Point to the person to sign 'your', sign 'birthday' using the middle-finger lip-to-chest motion, and then sign 'when' while furrowing your eyebrows. Furrowed eyebrows are essential because they indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.
3
I am going to a birthday party.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'go', then perform the 'birthday' sign as described. Follow this immediately with the sign for 'party'. Keep your movements smooth so the concepts flow naturally together.
How to Sign "Birthday"
To sign 'birthday', relax the dominant hand and bring the middle finger in at the knuckle. Touch the tip of the middle finger to the bottom lip, then bring the hand down to touch the tip of the middle finger to the sternum.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This specific sign for 'birthday' evolved as a compound of two other signs. The first part (touching the middle finger to the lip) originates from the sign for 'taste' or 'favorite'. The second part (touching the chest) is related to the sign for 'feel' or 'internal'. Over time, these two distinct movements blended into a single, fluid motion to represent a birthday.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your dominant hand relaxed rather than rigid. The bent middle finger is the most important part of the handshape. Ensure you make light, distinct contact with both your bottom lip and your sternum. Keep your palm facing inward toward your body throughout the entire downward movement.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using the index finger instead of the middle finger, which can confuse the meaning. Another common error is tapping the chest multiple times; remember that this specific sign requires just one touch to the bottom lip followed by one touch to the sternum.
Regional Variations
ASL has a few well-known regional variations for 'birthday'. Some signers gently tug on their earlobe, while others might sign the literal words 'birth' (hands crossing at the stomach) followed by 'day'. However, the lip-to-chest middle finger variation taught here is highly standard and universally understood across North America.
Examples Using "Birthday" in a Sentence
1Happy birthday!
Sign 'happy' by brushing your flat hands upward on your chest, then transition into the 'birthday' sign by touching your bent middle finger to your bottom lip and then your sternum. Don't forget to add a warm, celebratory smile!
2When is your birthday?
Point to the person to sign 'your', sign 'birthday' using the middle-finger lip-to-chest motion, and then sign 'when' while furrowing your eyebrows. Furrowed eyebrows are essential because they indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.
3I am going to a birthday party.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'go', then perform the 'birthday' sign as described. Follow this immediately with the sign for 'party'. Keep your movements smooth so the concepts flow naturally together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use both hands to sign 'birthday'?
No, this version of 'birthday' is strictly a one-handed sign. You only need to use your dominant hand to form the bent middle finger shape and perform the movement from your lip down to your chest.
Does it matter if I touch my chin instead of my bottom lip?
While the precise target is the bottom lip, touching just below it on the upper chin is very common in fast, casual signing. As long as the movement clearly starts at the lower face and drops to the center of the chest, you will be easily understood.
Why do I see people pulling their ear for 'birthday'?
Pulling the earlobe is a common regional variation of the sign for 'birthday', particularly popular in certain parts of the United States. However, the lip-to-chest version you are learning here is widely recognized and perfectly correct to use anywhere.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!