Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Chinese"

To sign 'Chinese', form your dominant hand into a '1' handshape with your index finger extended. Touch the tip of your index finger to the non-dominant side of your chest, near your collarbone. Trace a horizontal line across your chest to your dominant shoulder, then move your finger straight down the dominant side of your torso.

Examples Using "Chinese" in a Sentence

1

I am learning Chinese.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'learn' by pulling information from your non-dominant palm to your forehead, and then use the index finger motion across and down your chest for 'Chinese'.

2

Do you like Chinese food?

Sign 'You', 'like', 'Chinese', and 'food' (tapping an 'O' handshape to your mouth). Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

My friend is Chinese.

Sign 'My' by placing a flat palm on your chest, sign 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together twice, and then perform the sign for 'Chinese' across your chest.

How to Sign "Chinese"
To sign 'Chinese', form your dominant hand into a '1' handshape with your index finger extended. Touch the tip of your index finger to the non-dominant side of your chest, near your collarbone. Trace a horizontal line across your chest to your dominant shoulder, then move your finger straight down the dominant side of your torso.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The modern ASL sign for 'Chinese' is highly iconic and visually motivated by traditional clothing. The movement of the index finger traces the distinct high collar and the asymmetrical buttoned flap, often seen on a Cheongsam or Mao suit, that fastens across the chest and runs down the side of the torso.
Signing Tips
When signing 'Chinese', focus on keeping your movements deliberate and clear. Make sure your index finger makes contact with or stays very close to your body as you trace the path. The movement should be smooth and continuous, forming a distinct right angle—first across your chest, then straight down your dominant side. Keep your facial expression relaxed unless you are asking a question.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using their whole hand or a flat palm instead of isolating just the index finger. Another frequent error is forgetting the downward motion at the end, only swiping across the chest. Make sure to clearly trace the horizontal line first, followed by the vertical line down your dominant side to complete the sign accurately.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Chinese" in a Sentence
1

I am learning Chinese.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'learn' by pulling information from your non-dominant palm to your forehead, and then use the index finger motion across and down your chest for 'Chinese'.

2

Do you like Chinese food?

Sign 'You', 'like', 'Chinese', and 'food' (tapping an 'O' handshape to your mouth). Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

My friend is Chinese.

Sign 'My' by placing a flat palm on your chest, sign 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together twice, and then perform the sign for 'Chinese' across your chest.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean the language or the nationality?

This sign is wonderfully versatile! You can use this exact same sign to refer to the Chinese language, a person from China, or Chinese culture and food. The context of your sentence will make your meaning clear.

Do I use my right or left hand to sign this?

Always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, start on the left side of your chest, move to the right, and go down. If you are left-handed, do the mirror image: start on the right, move left, and go down.

Is there an older sign for Chinese?

Yes, there was an older sign that referenced the shape of the eyes, but it is considered highly offensive and racist today. The sign tracing the traditional clothing across the chest is the only appropriate and accepted sign to use in modern ASL.

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