Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Cherry"

To sign 'cherry', start by extending the index finger of your non-dominant hand horizontally across your chest to represent a stem. Next, bring your dominant hand over and pinch your fingers and thumb together around the very tip of your non-dominant index finger. Finally, twist your dominant hand back and forth a couple of times. Imagine you are gently twisting a round cherry that is hanging from the end of its stem.

Examples Using "Cherry" in a Sentence

1

I love eating cherry pie.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', then 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest. Follow this with the sign for 'cherry', and finish with 'pie' by making a slicing motion on your non-dominant palm.

2

Can I have a cherry on top?

Sign 'cherry' using the twisting motion on your index finger, then use your dominant hand to visually place the imaginary cherry on top of your non-dominant fist to show its location.

3

The cherry blossoms are beautiful.

Start with the sign for 'cherry', then sign 'tree' or 'flower' blooming with your hands opening up, and conclude with the sign for 'beautiful' by sweeping your hand across your face.

How to Sign "Cherry"
To sign 'cherry', start by extending the index finger of your non-dominant hand horizontally across your chest to represent a stem. Next, bring your dominant hand over and pinch your fingers and thumb together around the very tip of your non-dominant index finger. Finally, twist your dominant hand back and forth a couple of times. Imagine you are gently twisting a round cherry that is hanging from the end of its stem.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'cherry' is wonderfully iconic and highly visual, drawing directly from the physical appearance of the fruit. The extended index finger of your non-dominant hand visually represents the long, thin stem of a cherry. Meanwhile, your dominant hand grasping and twisting at the tip mimics the round, plump fruit itself, playfully hanging and twisting from the very end of the stem.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'cherry', focus on keeping your non-dominant index finger completely steady while your dominant hand does all the twisting. Make sure the twisting motion is small, gentle, and controlled, focusing just on the tip of the finger. This helps clearly represent a small piece of fruit rather than something large. Relax your shoulders and keep the movement natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving both hands simultaneously during the sign. Remember that the non-dominant hand acts as the stationary stem, so only the dominant hand should twist. Another frequent error is making the twisting motion too large or aggressive. Keep the twist subtle and localized to the tip of your index finger to accurately convey the small size of a cherry.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Cherry" in a Sentence
1

I love eating cherry pie.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', then 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest. Follow this with the sign for 'cherry', and finish with 'pie' by making a slicing motion on your non-dominant palm.

2

Can I have a cherry on top?

Sign 'cherry' using the twisting motion on your index finger, then use your dominant hand to visually place the imaginary cherry on top of your non-dominant fist to show its location.

3

The cherry blossoms are beautiful.

Start with the sign for 'cherry', then sign 'tree' or 'flower' blooming with your hands opening up, and conclude with the sign for 'beautiful' by sweeping your hand across your face.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand acts as the stem?

Yes, in ASL, your non-dominant hand should always act as the stationary base or 'stem' for this sign. Your dominant hand is the active hand that performs the twisting motion to represent the cherry.

How many times should I twist my hand?

Two quick, small twists back and forth are usually sufficient to convey the word clearly. You don't need to overdo the motion; keep it brief and localized to the tip of your finger.

Is this sign used for cherry flavors as well as the fruit?

Absolutely! You can use this exact same sign whether you are talking about the actual fresh fruit, a cherry-flavored candy, a cherry drink, or even the color cherry red.

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