How to Sign "Child"
Open both hands so the palms are flat, facing down. Start with hands together, thumbs touching. Bounce hands outward, moving away from each other, as though patting children on the head.
Examples Using "Child" in a Sentence
1
The child is playing outside.
Sign 'child' using the two-handed outward bouncing motion, then follow it with the signs for 'play' and 'outside'.
2
How old is your child?
Point to the person for 'your', sign 'child' by bouncing both flat hands outward, and then sign 'old' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a WH-question.
3
I have one child.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', hold up one index finger for 'one', and then use the two-handed downward patting motion for 'child'.
How to Sign "Child"
Open both hands so the palms are flat, facing down. Start with hands together, thumbs touching. Bounce hands outward, moving away from each other, as though patting children on the head.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the concept it describes. The flat, downward-facing palms and the gentle bouncing motion directly mimic the physical act of resting your hands on or patting the heads of young children standing in front of you.
Signing Tips
When signing this word, keep your wrists relaxed and your fingers loosely closed together. The bouncing motion should be gentle and fluid, exactly as if you are affectionately patting the heads of little ones. Ensure your palms stay parallel to the floor throughout the movement.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often make the bouncing motion too stiff by moving their entire arms from the shoulders. Instead, let the movement flow naturally from your elbows and wrists. Another common mistake is tilting the hands; remember to keep your palms completely flat and facing the ground.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Child" in a Sentence
1The child is playing outside.
Sign 'child' using the two-handed outward bouncing motion, then follow it with the signs for 'play' and 'outside'.
2How old is your child?
Point to the person for 'your', sign 'child' by bouncing both flat hands outward, and then sign 'old' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a WH-question.
3I have one child.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', hold up one index finger for 'one', and then use the two-handed downward patting motion for 'child'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this sign look like it means 'children' (plural)?
In ASL, this specific two-handed outward bouncing motion is most commonly used for the plural 'children', representing multiple heads. It is often taught to beginners for the general concept. To specify just one singular child, you can simply use your dominant hand to do the exact same patting motion.
How high should my hands be when making this sign?
Your hands should be positioned around your waist or lower-chest level. You want to place your hands at the approximate height of an actual child standing right in front of you.
Do I need to bounce my hands a specific number of times?
Usually, two or three gentle bounces outward are perfect. The exact number isn't strictly counted, as long as the motion clearly conveys the visual idea of patting heads.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!