How to Sign "Blocks"

Form both hands into "C" shapes, as if you are holding a square block in each hand. Hold your hands in front of you with your palms facing each other. Move your hands in an alternating up-and-down motion, mimicking the action of stacking building blocks.

Examples Using "Blocks" in a Sentence

1

The baby loves playing with blocks.

Sign 'baby', 'love', 'play', and then use the alternating 'C' handshape motion to sign 'blocks'.

2

Can you stack the blocks higher?

Sign 'you', 'stack', 'blocks' (using the alternating 'C' handshapes), and then indicate 'higher' by moving your flat hand upwards.

3

Put the blocks away in the toy box.

Sign 'blocks', then 'put-away', and finally 'toy' and 'box' to show where the items should be stored.

How to Sign "Blocks"
Form both hands into "C" shapes, as if you are holding a square block in each hand. Hold your hands in front of you with your palms facing each other. Move your hands in an alternating up-and-down motion, mimicking the action of stacking building blocks.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually intuitive. The 'C' handshapes physically represent the shape, size, and grip of a standard child's wooden or plastic building block. The alternating up-and-down movement directly mimics the real-world action of picking up and stacking blocks to build a tall tower. It perfectly captures the physical interaction we have with the object.
Signing Tips
Keep your 'C' handshapes firm and distinct so it clearly looks like you are gripping physical objects. The alternating motion should be rhythmic, just like a child carefully placing one block on top of another. Make sure your hands cross paths slightly in the vertical space to emphasize the stacking action. Relax your shoulders and keep the movement contained comfortably in front of your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using flat hands instead of 'C' handshapes, which makes the sign look like the general sign for 'building' or 'work' rather than physical toy blocks. Another frequent error is moving both hands up and down at the exact same time instead of alternating them. Ensure one hand goes up while the other goes down to capture the stacking motion accurately.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Blocks" in a Sentence
1

The baby loves playing with blocks.

Sign 'baby', 'love', 'play', and then use the alternating 'C' handshape motion to sign 'blocks'.

2

Can you stack the blocks higher?

Sign 'you', 'stack', 'blocks' (using the alternating 'C' handshapes), and then indicate 'higher' by moving your flat hand upwards.

3

Put the blocks away in the toy box.

Sign 'blocks', then 'put-away', and finally 'toy' and 'box' to show where the items should be stored.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign only used for toy blocks?

Yes, this specific sign with the 'C' handshapes and stacking motion is generally used for children's toy building blocks. For a city 'block' or a block of wood, you would typically fingerspell the word or use a different classifier depending on the exact context.

How many times should I alternate my hands?

Usually, two to three alternating movements are enough to clearly convey the meaning. You do not need to do it for a long time unless you are emphasizing that someone was playing with blocks for an extended period.

Can I use this sign for Lego bricks?

While this sign works well for general building blocks, Lego often has its own specific sign (usually fingerspelled L-E-G-O or signed by pressing 'V' handshapes together to mimic snapping bricks). However, in a general context of 'building blocks', this sign is perfectly understood.

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