How to Sign "Cousin"
To sign 'cousin', cup the hand, leaving the thumb underneath to make the C hand shape. Bring the hand up next to the head, on the same plane as the nose. Shake the wrist slightly.
Examples Using "Cousin" in a Sentence
1
My cousin is coming to visit.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'my', then sign 'cousin' by shaking the 'C' handshape next to your nose. Finish by signing 'come' and 'visit'. Keep your facial expression welcoming to match the context of the sentence.
2
Do you have any cousins?
Point to the person you are asking to sign 'you', sign 'have', and then sign 'cousin' by shaking the 'C' handshape beside your face. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.
3
She is my favorite cousin.
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'my', then sign 'favorite' by tapping your middle finger to your chin. Finally, sign 'cousin' using the 'C' handshape near your nose. Smile to emphasize that they are your favorite!
How to Sign "Cousin"
To sign 'cousin', cup the hand, leaving the thumb underneath to make the C hand shape. Bring the hand up next to the head, on the same plane as the nose. Shake the wrist slightly.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'cousin' is a classic example of an initialized sign in ASL. This means it borrows the first letter of the corresponding English word—in this case, the 'C' handshape for 'Cousin'. Furthermore, ASL uses vertical location on the face to indicate gender for family signs. Masculine signs (like 'father' or 'uncle') are placed at the forehead, while feminine signs (like 'mother' or 'aunt') are at the chin. By placing the 'C' exactly in the middle near the nose, the sign visually communicates a gender-neutral family relationship.
Signing Tips
When signing 'cousin', keep your 'C' handshape relaxed but clearly formed. The movement should come entirely from your wrist, not your whole arm or shoulder. Since this sign is placed at the middle of your face (on the same plane as your nose), it represents a gender-neutral cousin. Make sure the shake is a small, gentle twisting motion rather than a large, exaggerated wave. Practicing in front of a mirror can help you ensure your hand is at the correct height and your wrist is doing all the work.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving their entire arm instead of just shaking the wrist, which can make the sign look sloppy or confusing. Another frequent error is placing the hand too high up near the forehead or too low near the chin. In ASL, location changes meaning: signing near the forehead means a male cousin, and near the chin means a female cousin. To keep the meaning general and gender-neutral, be sure to anchor the sign right on the same plane as your nose.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Cousin" in a Sentence
1My cousin is coming to visit.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'my', then sign 'cousin' by shaking the 'C' handshape next to your nose. Finish by signing 'come' and 'visit'. Keep your facial expression welcoming to match the context of the sentence.
2Do you have any cousins?
Point to the person you are asking to sign 'you', sign 'have', and then sign 'cousin' by shaking the 'C' handshape beside your face. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.
3She is my favorite cousin.
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'my', then sign 'favorite' by tapping your middle finger to your chin. Finally, sign 'cousin' using the 'C' handshape near your nose. Smile to emphasize that they are your favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for both male and female cousins?
Yes! The version signed near the middle of the face, on the same plane as the nose, is completely gender-neutral. If you want to be specific, you can sign it higher up near your forehead for a male cousin, or lower near your chin for a female cousin.
How big should the wrist shake be?
The shake should be small, quick, and controlled. Just twist your wrist back and forth slightly a couple of times. You do not need to wave your hand widely or move your elbow. Keeping the movement isolated to your wrist makes the sign look much more natural.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'cousin'?
You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, make the 'C' shape and shake it next to the right side of your face. If you are left-handed, use your left hand on the left side of your face.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!