Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Dear"

To sign *dear*, form your dominant hand into a closed fist (an 'S' handshape). Bring your hand up to your face and gently press the top edge of your fist (the index finger side) against your chin. Your palm should be facing inward toward your opposite side. Hold the hand there for a moment to convey a sense of fondness.

Examples Using "Dear" in a Sentence

1

You are very dear to me.

Start by pointing to the person to indicate 'you', then sign 'very'. Finish the sentence by signing 'dear', gently pressing your 'S' handshape against your chin. Make sure to use a warm, affectionate facial expression to truly show your fondness and make the emotional meaning of the sentence clear.

2

She is a dear friend.

Begin by pointing to the person for 'she', then sign 'dear' by holding your fist to your chin. Follow this immediately with the sign for 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together. A gentle smile will help emphasize the affectionate and close nature of your relationship with them.

3

I hold my family dear.

Sign 'my' by placing your flat hand on your chest, then sign 'family' by circling your 'F' hands together. Finally, use the sign for 'dear' by bringing your fist to your chin to express how much you cherish them. This sequence beautifully conveys your deep love and appreciation.

How to Sign "Dear"
To sign *dear*, form your dominant hand into a closed fist (an 'S' handshape). Bring your hand up to your face and gently press the top edge of your fist (the index finger side) against your chin. Your palm should be facing inward toward your opposite side. Hold the hand there for a moment to convey a sense of fondness.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is deeply rooted in the visual logic of holding something precious close to yourself. By bringing a closed fist to your chin, the gesture mimics the act of grasping something valuable or someone you love and holding them near your face. It visually conveys the concept of cherishing, fondness, and keeping something 'dear' to your heart. The proximity to the face and the gentle hold emphasize the intimate and affectionate nature of the word, making the emotional connection clear.
Signing Tips
When signing *dear*, your facial expression is just as important as the handshape. Because this sign conveys affection, fondness, and emotional closeness, you should have a warm, gentle expression on your face. A soft smile or a tender look will help communicate the true meaning of the word. Ensure that your fist is relaxed rather than tightly clenched, as a tight fist might convey tension or anger instead of love. Keep the movement smooth and deliberate as you bring your hand to your chin.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is tapping the fist against the chin repeatedly, which can confuse the sign with other words like *secret* or *patient*, depending on the exact handshape and movement. For *dear*, the fist should simply be placed against the chin and held there for a moment. Another mistake is using the wrong handshape, such as an 'A' handshape with the thumb sticking out, instead of a proper 'S' handshape where the thumb wraps securely across the front of the fingers.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dear" in a Sentence
1

You are very dear to me.

Start by pointing to the person to indicate 'you', then sign 'very'. Finish the sentence by signing 'dear', gently pressing your 'S' handshape against your chin. Make sure to use a warm, affectionate facial expression to truly show your fondness and make the emotional meaning of the sentence clear.

2

She is a dear friend.

Begin by pointing to the person for 'she', then sign 'dear' by holding your fist to your chin. Follow this immediately with the sign for 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together. A gentle smile will help emphasize the affectionate and close nature of your relationship with them.

3

I hold my family dear.

Sign 'my' by placing your flat hand on your chest, then sign 'family' by circling your 'F' hands together. Finally, use the sign for 'dear' by bringing your fist to your chin to express how much you cherish them. This sequence beautifully conveys your deep love and appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say 'Dear John' at the beginning of a letter?

No, American Sign Language does not typically use a direct translation for the English word 'Dear' in letter or email greetings. Instead of signing 'dear', you would simply sign the person's name, or use a polite and friendly greeting like 'hello' to start your message.

Is this the same sign used for 'expensive'?

No, the word 'dear' can mean expensive in English, but ASL uses a completely different sign for that concept. To sign 'expensive', you drop an 'O' handshape from your non-dominant palm. The sign shown here is strictly for 'dear' meaning cherished, beloved, or deeply valued.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign this?

Yes, you should always use your dominant hand to perform this sign. If you are right-handed, bring your right fist up to your chin. Keeping your hand dominance consistent helps ensure your signing is clear, natural, and easy for others to understand during a conversation.

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