How to Sign "Chore"
To sign *chore*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of your body with the fingers together and the palm facing up. Next, place your flat dominant hand, with its palm facing down, at the base or heel of your non-dominant hand. Smoothly slide your dominant hand forward across the palm and off the fingertips of the bottom hand. This motion is identical to the sign for *clean* or *nice*, reflecting the fact that most household chores involve cleaning or tidying up a space.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign used here for *chore* is actually the exact same sign used for the words *clean* and *nice*. The visual motivation behind this sign is highly iconic: the dominant hand sliding smoothly across the non-dominant palm represents the physical action of wiping a surface to make it spotless and smooth. Because the vast majority of household chores and daily duties involve cleaning, tidying, or organizing, the Deaf community often uses this sweeping 'clean' motion to broadly represent doing chores.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for *chore* cleanly, ensure that your non-dominant hand remains completely stationary while your dominant hand performs the active sliding motion. Keep your fingers together and flat on both hands to maintain a neat, clear handshape. It can help to visualize wiping dust off a flat surface, which naturally reinforces the connection between the sign and the concept of cleaning. Remember to use a single, smooth glide rather than a choppy or repetitive rubbing motion.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make with this sign is using only the fingertips of the dominant hand to brush across the palm, rather than using the entire flat hand. Brushing just the fingertips changes the word entirely, turning it into the sign for *excuse* or *forgive*. Another frequent error is moving both hands at the same time; remember that your non-dominant hand must act as a stable, unmoving base while only the dominant hand slides forward.
Regional Variations
While using the sign for *clean* to mean *chore* is widely understood, especially for household tasks, you will encounter variations. Some signers prefer to use the sign for *duty*—tapping a 'D' handshape on the top of the non-dominant wrist—to represent a chore or obligation. Others might simply use the sign for *work* (tapping the wrists of two 'S' handshapes together) if the chore involves heavy labor, like yard work. The choice often depends on the specific context.
Examples Using "Chore" in a Sentence
1I have to do my chores today.
To sign this sentence, start by signing *today* using two 'Y' handshapes bouncing downward. Next, point to yourself for *I*, sign *must* by bringing a hooked 'X' finger downward, and finish with the sign for *chore* to show your obligations.
2What is your favorite chore?
Begin by signing *your* with a flat palm pushing toward the person. Then sign *favorite* by tapping your middle finger on your chin, followed by the sign for *chore*. Finally, sign *what* with open hands while furrowing your eyebrows to clearly indicate you are asking a question.
3My chores are finished.
Start with the possessive sign for *my* by placing a flat hand squarely on your chest. Next, perform the sign for *chore*. Conclude the sentence by signing *finish*—flicking both open hands outward—which clearly shows that your household tasks are completely done and out of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for *chore* the same as the sign for *clean*?
Yes, in many contexts, the sign for *clean* is used interchangeably to mean *chore*. Since most daily chores involve cleaning up around the house, the visual connection makes perfect sense. If you are doing chores, you are essentially 'cleaning' your space, so the same sign applies.
Can I use the sign for *work* instead of *chore*?
Yes, you can use the sign for *work* if the chore is particularly labor-intensive, such as chopping wood or doing heavy yard work. However, for standard household tasks like doing the dishes or sweeping, using the *clean* sign is generally the most natural and accurate choice.
Does it matter which hand I use to slide?
Yes, it does matter. You should always use your dominant hand to perform the active sliding motion, while your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base. If you are right-handed, your right hand will slide over your left palm. This keeps your signing clear and consistent.
Related ASL Signs
