Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Dinner"

the sign 'dinner' combines two signs. Pinch the fingertips of the dominant hand together. Bring the hand up to the mouth and tap the lips once. Then, bring the non-dominant arm up and stretch it against the chest. Relax the dominant hand so it is slightly cupped. Bring the dominant hand down, turning it so the palm is out. Tap the wrist of the dominant hand against the wrist of the non-dominant, so the dominant hand is covering and above the non-dominant arm.

Examples Using "Dinner" in a Sentence

1

What time is dinner?

Sign 'TIME', then perform the two-part sign for 'DINNER' (tapping the mouth, then tapping the wrists), and finish with a 'WH-question' facial expression by furrowing your eyebrows.

2

I am making dinner.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'MAKE' by twisting your fists together, and then sign 'DINNER' by combining the 'EAT' and 'NIGHT' motions as described.

3

Dinner was delicious!

Sign 'DINNER' first, then sign 'DELICIOUS' by snapping your middle finger and thumb as you pull your hand away from your mouth, showing a pleased facial expression.

How to Sign "Dinner"
the sign 'dinner' combines two signs. Pinch the fingertips of the dominant hand together. Bring the hand up to the mouth and tap the lips once. Then, bring the non-dominant arm up and stretch it against the chest. Relax the dominant hand so it is slightly cupped. Bring the dominant hand down, turning it so the palm is out. Tap the wrist of the dominant hand against the wrist of the non-dominant, so the dominant hand is covering and above the non-dominant arm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'dinner' is a classic example of a compound sign in ASL, visually combining two distinct concepts to create a new meaning. The first part is the sign for 'eat' or 'food,' which mimics the action of putting food into your mouth. The second part is the sign for 'night' or 'evening,' representing the sun (your dominant hand) setting over the horizon (your non-dominant arm). Together, 'eat' plus 'night' literally translates to the evening meal: dinner.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'dinner' flow naturally, practice transitioning smoothly between the two parts. Think of it as a single, fluid concept rather than two separate, disjointed words. As your dominant hand leaves your mouth after the first tap, immediately relax your fingers into the cupped shape and bring your non-dominant arm into position to catch the wrist tap. Keep your movements relaxed to avoid looking stiff.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is pausing too long between the 'eat' and 'night' portions of the sign, making it look like two completely separate sentences. Another common error is using the wrong handshape for the second part; remember to relax your dominant hand into a slightly cupped shape rather than keeping the pinched fingertips from the first part. Finally, ensure your dominant wrist taps over your non-dominant wrist, not under it.
Regional Variations
While the compound sign 'EAT' + 'NIGHT' is widely taught and understood, you may also see an initialized version. In this variation, signers use a 'D' handshape and tap it lightly near the chin or mouth. However, the compound version described here is generally preferred in modern ASL.
Examples Using "Dinner" in a Sentence
1

What time is dinner?

Sign 'TIME', then perform the two-part sign for 'DINNER' (tapping the mouth, then tapping the wrists), and finish with a 'WH-question' facial expression by furrowing your eyebrows.

2

I am making dinner.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'MAKE' by twisting your fists together, and then sign 'DINNER' by combining the 'EAT' and 'NIGHT' motions as described.

3

Dinner was delicious!

Sign 'DINNER' first, then sign 'DELICIOUS' by snapping your middle finger and thumb as you pull your hand away from your mouth, showing a pleased facial expression.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just sign 'eat' to mean dinner?

While context can sometimes make your meaning clear, it is best to use the full compound sign (eat + night) when specifically referring to dinner. Just signing 'eat' could mean any meal or snack, so adding the 'night' portion clarifies exactly which meal you mean.

Do I have to tap my mouth more than once?

For the 'dinner' compound sign, a single tap to the lips is standard. Tapping multiple times is usually reserved for the standalone sign for 'food.' Keeping it to one tap helps the sign flow smoothly into the 'night' portion.

Does it matter which arm is on the bottom for the second part?

Yes! Your non-dominant arm should act as the base or 'horizon' on the bottom. Your dominant hand—the same one that tapped your mouth—should move down to tap its wrist over the top of your non-dominant wrist.

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