Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Expensive"

To sign "expensive," start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form your dominant hand into a flattened "O" shape and tap the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then, lift your dominant hand up and away, opening your fingers as if tossing something aside. Be sure to use a facial expression that conveys a high cost, such as slightly wincing or widening your eyes.

Examples Using "Expensive" in a Sentence

1

That car is too expensive.

Sign 'car', then 'too much', and finish with 'expensive'. Use a strong facial expression, like widening your eyes or wincing, to emphasize just how high the price is.

2

Is the food here expensive?

Point to the ground for 'here', sign 'food', and then sign 'expensive'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

I can't buy it, it's expensive.

Sign 'buy' while shaking your head to indicate 'can't', then follow up with 'expensive' to explain your reasoning. Your facial expression should match the disappointment or shock of the price.

How to Sign "Expensive"
To sign "expensive," start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form your dominant hand into a flattened "O" shape and tap the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then, lift your dominant hand up and away, opening your fingers as if tossing something aside. Be sure to use a facial expression that conveys a high cost, such as slightly wincing or widening your eyes.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "expensive" is highly visual and iconic, rooted in the concept of handling money. Your non-dominant flat hand acts as a surface, like your bank or wallet. Your dominant hand picks up the "money" and literally throws it away. This perfectly captures the feeling of spending a large amount of cash, visually representing the concept of throwing your money out the window for a costly item. It is a very literal and expressive way to show wealth leaving your possession.
Signing Tips
Facial expressions are crucial for this sign. To show that something is very expensive, make your movement larger and more forceful, and exaggerate your facial expression by widening your eyes, puffing your cheeks, or dropping your jaw. Keep your non-dominant hand steady as a base, and ensure the throwing motion is clear and deliberate. The bigger the movement and expression, the higher the price tag you are communicating!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting to open the dominant hand as it moves away from the palm. If you keep the flattened "O" shape closed, it looks like you are just picking something up rather than showing money being thrown away. Another frequent error is leaving your face blank. Without a matching facial expression, the sign loses its impact. Always remember to show the "pain" of the high price on your face!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Expensive" in a Sentence
1

That car is too expensive.

Sign 'car', then 'too much', and finish with 'expensive'. Use a strong facial expression, like widening your eyes or wincing, to emphasize just how high the price is.

2

Is the food here expensive?

Point to the ground for 'here', sign 'food', and then sign 'expensive'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

I can't buy it, it's expensive.

Sign 'buy' while shaking your head to indicate 'can't', then follow up with 'expensive' to explain your reasoning. Your facial expression should match the disappointment or shock of the price.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'money' and 'expensive'?

The sign for 'money' involves tapping the flattened 'O' hand on your flat palm a couple of times without the upward throwing motion. 'Expensive' uses a single tap followed immediately by the hand moving up, away, and opening.

How do I show that something is cheap instead?

The sign for 'cheap' is completely different! It uses a flat dominant hand that brushes downward against the side of the flat non-dominant hand. It does not use the throwing motion seen in 'expensive'.

Do I need to use a specific facial expression?

Yes! In ASL, facial expressions convey tone and degree. Wincing, widening your eyes, or puffing your cheeks while signing 'expensive' shows your conversation partner just how costly the item actually is.

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