Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Drink"

to sign drink, press all the fingers except the thumb of the dominant hand together and curl at the knuckles. this should create the signc. bring the c shape up to your lips and press the thumb against the lower lip. tilt the c shape back as if it is a cup you are drinking from.

Examples Using "Drink" in a Sentence

1

I want to drink water.

Sign "I", "WANT", "WATER", and then use the "C" handshape tilted back at your lips to sign "DRINK". The motion is just like taking a sip from an invisible glass.

2

What is your favorite drink?

Sign "YOUR", "FAVORITE", "DRINK", then "WHAT" with furrowed eyebrows. When signing "DRINK", make sure your thumb touches your lower lip before tilting the "C" shape back.

3

The baby needs a drink.

Sign "BABY", "NEED", then "DRINK". Execute the sign for "DRINK" clearly by bringing the "C" handshape to your mouth, mimicking the action of holding a cup and taking a sip.

How to Sign "Drink"
to sign drink, press all the fingers except the thumb of the dominant hand together and curl at the knuckles. this should create the signc. bring the c shape up to your lips and press the thumb against the lower lip. tilt the c shape back as if it is a cup you are drinking from.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "drink" is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the action it describes. The "C" handshape mimics the physical act of holding a cylindrical object, like a cup, glass, or can. By bringing this shape to your lips and tilting it backward, you are pantomiming the exact motion of taking a sip of a beverage. This direct visual connection makes it one of the easiest and most intuitive signs for beginners to remember and recognize.
Signing Tips
To make your sign for "drink" look natural, focus on the "C" handshape. Imagine you are actually holding a small cup or glass in your dominant hand. Keep your fingers tightly together so the "cup" doesn't have any gaps. The movement should be a smooth, singular tilt backward, pivoting at the wrist just like you would when taking a real sip of water. You don't need to actually touch your lips with your fingers, just rest the thumb gently against your lower lip as a starting point.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using a full grasping motion or moving the entire arm up and down repeatedly. Remember, the sign for "drink" relies on a simple wrist tilt, not a pumping arm. Another frequent error is separating the fingers instead of keeping them pressed together in a solid "C" shape. Finally, avoid covering your entire mouth with your hand; your thumb should just touch the lower lip so your facial expressions remain visible.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Drink" in a Sentence
1

I want to drink water.

Sign "I", "WANT", "WATER", and then use the "C" handshape tilted back at your lips to sign "DRINK". The motion is just like taking a sip from an invisible glass.

2

What is your favorite drink?

Sign "YOUR", "FAVORITE", "DRINK", then "WHAT" with furrowed eyebrows. When signing "DRINK", make sure your thumb touches your lower lip before tilting the "C" shape back.

3

The baby needs a drink.

Sign "BABY", "NEED", then "DRINK". Execute the sign for "DRINK" clearly by bringing the "C" handshape to your mouth, mimicking the action of holding a cup and taking a sip.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean both the noun (a drink) and the verb (to drink)?

Yes! In ASL, this sign can be used for both the action of drinking and the noun for a beverage. The context of your sentence will let the other person know whether you are saying "I want to drink" or "I want a drink."

Do I need to make a drinking sound or open my mouth?

No, you do not need to make any slurping or drinking sounds, and you don't need to open your mouth wide. Just keep your facial expression natural or match the context of the sentence while your thumb rests on your lower lip.

Can I use this sign for drinking soup or drinking from a straw?

This specific "C" handshape sign is best for drinking from a standard cup or glass. If you are drinking from a straw, you would mimic holding a small straw and sipping. For soup, you would use a spooning motion instead.

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