Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Couple"

To sign 'couple,' start by forming both hands into 'V' handshapes, extending your index and middle fingers while keeping your other fingers tucked in. Hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward your body. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand, gently tapping the extended fingers of both hands together. The movement should be brief and light, representing two things coming together.

Examples Using "Couple" in a Sentence

1

They are a cute couple.

Start by pointing to the people to sign 'they.' Next, sign 'cute' by brushing your chin with the fingers of your dominant hand. Finally, finish the sentence with the sign for 'couple' by gently tapping your 'V' handshapes together in front of your chest.

2

I need a couple of minutes.

Begin by pointing to yourself for 'I,' then sign 'need' with a hooked 'X' handshape moving downward. Use the sign for 'couple' by tapping your 'V' hands together, and finish by signing 'minutes' to indicate you just need a small amount of time.

3

We bought a couple of books.

Sign 'we' by tapping your dominant index finger from one shoulder to the other. Sign 'buy' by handing imaginary money forward. Then, sign 'couple' by tapping your 'V' hands together, and finish with 'books' by opening your hands like a book.

How to Sign "Couple"
To sign 'couple,' start by forming both hands into 'V' handshapes, extending your index and middle fingers while keeping your other fingers tucked in. Hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward your body. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand, gently tapping the extended fingers of both hands together. The movement should be brief and light, representing two things coming together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign uses the 'V' or '2' handshape on both hands, visually representing two individuals or items. The tapping motion brings these two entities together, symbolizing a pairing, bond, or connection. This visual logic makes it a highly intuitive sign for a pair or couple, as you are literally bringing two sets of 'two' together to form a single unit.
Signing Tips
Make sure your palms are facing your body, not outward, to keep the sign clear. The movement should be smooth and controlled, bringing the hands together for a gentle, brief tap. Keep your 'V' fingers relatively straight but relaxed so the sign looks natural and effortless. Your non-dominant hand should stay mostly still while your dominant hand does the tapping.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is facing the palms outward instead of inward, which can make the sign look like a number or a different classifier. Another frequent error is clapping the whole hands together too forcefully; the tap should be light and focused specifically on the extended index and middle fingers. Ensure you are using the 'V' handshape and not a full open hand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Couple" in a Sentence
1

They are a cute couple.

Start by pointing to the people to sign 'they.' Next, sign 'cute' by brushing your chin with the fingers of your dominant hand. Finally, finish the sentence with the sign for 'couple' by gently tapping your 'V' handshapes together in front of your chest.

2

I need a couple of minutes.

Begin by pointing to yourself for 'I,' then sign 'need' with a hooked 'X' handshape moving downward. Use the sign for 'couple' by tapping your 'V' hands together, and finish by signing 'minutes' to indicate you just need a small amount of time.

3

We bought a couple of books.

Sign 'we' by tapping your dominant index finger from one shoulder to the other. Sign 'buy' by handing imaginary money forward. Then, sign 'couple' by tapping your 'V' hands together, and finish with 'books' by opening your hands like a book.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for 'a couple of things' as well as a romantic couple?

Yes! This sign is versatile and can be used to mean a romantic couple (two people in a relationship) or simply a pair of items, such as 'a couple of days' or 'a couple of books.'

Does it matter which hand taps the other?

Generally, your dominant hand should be the one doing the active moving and tapping, while your non-dominant hand remains relatively stationary as the base.

Is this sign the same as the number two?

While it uses the same handshape as the number two, the sign for 'couple' involves both hands and a tapping motion. The number two is signed with just one hand and no tapping.

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