Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Daughter"

the sign 'daughter' uses both hands. rest the non-dominant arm across the chest, with the palm facing upwards. press the fingers of the dominant hand against the palm, with the thumb resting against the index finger to create the a hand shape. drag the thumb of the dominant hand against the cheek, then bring the arm down so the palm of the dominant hand rests in the elbow of the non-dominant arm, with the palm facing up, like you're cradling a baby.

Examples Using "Daughter" in a Sentence

1

My daughter is three years old.

Sign 'my', then sign 'daughter' by tracing your lower cheek with your thumb and bringing your arm down to the cradling position. Follow this up by signing 'three' and 'years old'.

2

Do you have a daughter?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'have', and then perform the sign for 'daughter'. Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

Her daughter loves to read.

Point to the side to indicate 'her', sign 'daughter' starting at the cheek and moving down to the resting arm position, then finish the sentence by signing 'love' and 'read'.

How to Sign "Daughter"
the sign 'daughter' uses both hands. rest the non-dominant arm across the chest, with the palm facing upwards. press the fingers of the dominant hand against the palm, with the thumb resting against the index finger to create the a hand shape. drag the thumb of the dominant hand against the cheek, then bring the arm down so the palm of the dominant hand rests in the elbow of the non-dominant arm, with the palm facing up, like you're cradling a baby.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'daughter' is a wonderful example of a compound sign in American Sign Language, where two distinct concepts merge to form a new word. The first part of the sign originates from the traditional sign for 'girl,' where the thumb traces the jawline. Historically, this iconic movement represents the tied string of a woman's bonnet. The second part of the sign mimics the universal action of cradling an infant in your arms. By combining 'female' and 'baby,' the sign visually and logically creates the meaning of 'daughter.'
Signing Tips
When signing 'daughter,' focus on creating a smooth, fluid transition between the two distinct parts of the sign. Start with the 'A' handshape at your cheek, which represents the female aspect, and let your hand flow naturally down into the baby-cradling position on your non-dominant arm. Try to make it one continuous, graceful movement rather than two choppy, separate signs. Keep your non-dominant arm relaxed across your chest, ready to support the dominant hand as it comes down.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is starting the sign too high on the face. In ASL, the upper half of the face is reserved for male signs. If you start at the forehead, you will accidentally sign 'son' instead of 'daughter.' Always ensure your thumb drags along the lower cheek or jawline. Another frequent error is forgetting the second half of the sign. Without bringing your arm down into the cradling position, the sign is incomplete and might just be read as 'girl.'
Regional Variations
In casual, rapid conversation, some signers abbreviate the sign by bringing the dominant hand from the cheek directly down to tap the non-dominant forearm, skipping the full cradling motion.
Examples Using "Daughter" in a Sentence
1

My daughter is three years old.

Sign 'my', then sign 'daughter' by tracing your lower cheek with your thumb and bringing your arm down to the cradling position. Follow this up by signing 'three' and 'years old'.

2

Do you have a daughter?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'have', and then perform the sign for 'daughter'. Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

Her daughter loves to read.

Point to the side to indicate 'her', sign 'daughter' starting at the cheek and moving down to the resting arm position, then finish the sentence by signing 'love' and 'read'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign start at the cheek?

In ASL, signs related to females (like mother, sister, aunt, and daughter) are placed on the lower half of the face, near the cheek or chin. Signs for males are placed on the upper half, near the forehead.

Do I need to rock my arms like a real baby?

No, you don't need to rock your arms back and forth for this specific word. Just bring your dominant hand down to rest in the crook of your non-dominant arm to complete the cradling shape.

What handshape should I use for the first part of the sign?

Use an 'A' handshape for your dominant hand. Keep your fingers curled into your palm and let your thumb rest against the side of your index finger as you drag it along your cheek.

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