How to Sign "Burger"

To sign 'burger' (or 'hamburger'), cup both hands slightly as if you are holding a thick patty. Bring your hands together in front of your chest with one hand on top of the other. Then, flip your hands over so the bottom hand is now on top, and bring them together again. The motion looks just like you are forming a hamburger patty by hand.

Examples Using "Burger" in a Sentence

1

I want a burger for dinner.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want' by pulling your hands toward you, sign 'burger', and finish with the sign for 'dinner'.

2

Do you like burgers?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like' by pulling your thumb and middle finger from your chest, and sign 'burger'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

3

Let's make burgers on the grill.

Sign 'make' by twisting your stacked fists, sign 'burger', and then sign 'grill' or spell it out depending on your vocabulary.

How to Sign "Burger"
To sign 'burger' (or 'hamburger'), cup both hands slightly as if you are holding a thick patty. Bring your hands together in front of your chest with one hand on top of the other. Then, flip your hands over so the bottom hand is now on top, and bring them together again. The motion looks just like you are forming a hamburger patty by hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'burger' is highly iconic. The cupped hands and the flipping motion directly mimic the action of a cook taking ground meat and patting it back and forth between their hands to form a thick hamburger patty.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands slightly cupped to represent the thickness of the meat. The movement should be a clear, distinct flip, bringing the hands together twice. Keep the motion comfortably in front of your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping the hands completely flat instead of cupping them. Flat hands can look like the signs for 'cheese' or 'paper' depending on the movement. Make sure to cup your hands to show the shape of the burger.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Burger" in a Sentence
1

I want a burger for dinner.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want' by pulling your hands toward you, sign 'burger', and finish with the sign for 'dinner'.

2

Do you like burgers?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like' by pulling your thumb and middle finger from your chest, and sign 'burger'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

3

Let's make burgers on the grill.

Sign 'make' by twisting your stacked fists, sign 'burger', and then sign 'grill' or spell it out depending on your vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'burger' the same as 'hamburger'?

Yes, the sign for 'burger' and 'hamburger' is exactly the same. You use the same patty-forming motion for both words.

Does it matter which hand starts on top?

No, it doesn't matter which hand is on top first. Just ensure you flip them so each hand gets a turn on top during the sign.

How do I sign 'cheeseburger'?

To sign 'cheeseburger', you simply combine two signs. First, do the sign for 'cheese' (pressing the heels of your hands together and twisting), followed immediately by the sign for 'burger'.

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