How to Sign "Denver"

To sign Denver, form your dominant hand into a 'D' handshape, with your index finger pointing up and your thumb touching the tips of your other fingers. Start with your hand near shoulder level, palm facing forward. Move your hand downwards in a wavy or zigzag motion.

Examples Using "Denver" in a Sentence

1

I live in Denver.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'live' by bringing both 'A' hands upward on your chest, and then sign 'Denver' using the downward wavy 'D' handshape.

2

We are traveling to Denver tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow' by moving an 'A' hand forward from your cheek, then sign 'we', 'travel', and finish with the sign for 'Denver'.

3

Is Denver a big city?

Sign 'Denver', then 'city' by tapping your fingertips together twice, and 'big' by moving both 'L' hands apart. Raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Denver"
To sign Denver, form your dominant hand into a 'D' handshape, with your index finger pointing up and your thumb touching the tips of your other fingers. Start with your hand near shoulder level, palm facing forward. Move your hand downwards in a wavy or zigzag motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for Denver is an initialized sign, using the letter 'D' from the English alphabet. The downward wavy motion is iconic, visually representing the peaks of the Rocky Mountains that are famously associated with the city's landscape.
Signing Tips
Make sure your 'D' handshape is clear, with the index finger pointing straight up. The downward wavy motion should be smooth and controlled, not too frantic. Keep the movement relatively compact, staying within your comfortable signing space in front of your shoulder.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the wavy motion too large or moving the hand horizontally instead of downwards. Another mistake is confusing the 'D' handshape with a '1' handshape; remember to keep your thumb and other fingers touching to form the 'D'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Denver" in a Sentence
1

I live in Denver.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'live' by bringing both 'A' hands upward on your chest, and then sign 'Denver' using the downward wavy 'D' handshape.

2

We are traveling to Denver tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow' by moving an 'A' hand forward from your cheek, then sign 'we', 'travel', and finish with the sign for 'Denver'.

3

Is Denver a big city?

Sign 'Denver', then 'city' by tapping your fingertips together twice, and 'big' by moving both 'L' hands apart. Raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for Denver move in a wavy line?

The wavy, downward motion represents the silhouette of the Rocky Mountains, which are a defining feature of Denver's geography. This makes it an initialized and iconic sign.

Do I use my right or left hand to sign Denver?

You should use your dominant hand to perform this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand.

Can I just fingerspell Denver?

While you can always fingerspell a city name if you forget the sign, Denver has a very common and widely recognized specific sign. It is much faster and more natural to use the wavy 'D' sign.

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