How to Sign "Customer"

To sign 'customer,' form both hands into 'C' handshapes. Hold them in front of your upper chest with your palms facing each other. Then, move both hands straight down to your lower torso. This motion is identical to the 'person' marker, but uses the initialized 'C' handshape.

Examples Using "Customer" in a Sentence

1

The customer is always right.

Sign 'customer', then 'always', and 'right'. Make sure the 'C' handshapes move cleanly downwards to clearly establish the subject of the sentence before finishing the thought.

2

We have a new customer.

Point to yourself and others for 'we', sign 'have', 'new', and finish with the sign for 'customer'. Keep the downward motion of 'customer' crisp to emphasize the new addition.

3

How many customers came in today?

Sign 'today', 'customer', and then use the 'how many' sign. Remember to use an inquiring facial expression by furrowing your eyebrows, which is essential for asking a WH-question in ASL.

How to Sign "Customer"
To sign 'customer,' form both hands into 'C' handshapes. Hold them in front of your upper chest with your palms facing each other. Then, move both hands straight down to your lower torso. This motion is identical to the 'person' marker, but uses the initialized 'C' handshape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'customer' is a classic example of an initialized sign in American Sign Language. It borrows the foundational movement of the 'person' or 'agent' marker—which typically uses flat hands moving downwards to outline the sides of an individual's body. By replacing those flat hands with the letter 'C' from the ASL manual alphabet, the sign specifically represents the English words 'customer' or 'client.' This blends the visual concept of a person with the specific English translation.
Signing Tips
When signing 'customer,' focus on keeping your 'C' handshapes firm and clearly defined. If your fingers are too relaxed, it might look like the standard flat-hand 'person' marker. Ensure the downward movement is a straight, deliberate line, stopping cleanly at your waist. Keeping your palms facing each other throughout the entire motion helps maintain the structure of the sign. Practice doing this motion smoothly so it feels natural when you add it to your everyday ASL vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often make the mistake of curving their hands too much into an 'O' shape or leaving them too flat, which can confuse the sign with 'person' or 'boss'. Another frequent error is moving the hands in a wavy or diagonal line rather than straight down. Make sure both hands move parallel to each other at the exact same speed. Finally, remember to keep your palms facing inward; turning them forward or backward changes the sign entirely.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Customer" in a Sentence
1

The customer is always right.

Sign 'customer', then 'always', and 'right'. Make sure the 'C' handshapes move cleanly downwards to clearly establish the subject of the sentence before finishing the thought.

2

We have a new customer.

Point to yourself and others for 'we', sign 'have', 'new', and finish with the sign for 'customer'. Keep the downward motion of 'customer' crisp to emphasize the new addition.

3

How many customers came in today?

Sign 'today', 'customer', and then use the 'how many' sign. Remember to use an inquiring facial expression by furrowing your eyebrows, which is essential for asking a WH-question in ASL.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign the same as 'client'?

Yes, the initialized 'C' moving downward is commonly used for both 'customer' and 'client' in ASL. The specific meaning is usually clear from the context of your conversation.

Why does it look so much like the sign for 'person'?

It uses the 'person' (or agent) marker's downward motion, which indicates an individual doing an action or holding a role. Adding the 'C' handshape specifies exactly what kind of person it is.

Can I just sign 'buy' and then 'person'?

Yes! Signing 'buy' followed by the 'person' marker translates to 'buyer,' which is a perfectly acceptable and more conceptually accurate way to say 'customer' in many ASL contexts.

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