How to Sign "Family"

the sign 'family' uses both hands. bring both hands up to chest height, with the palms facing downward and the tips of both thumbs touching. rotate the hands at the wrists so the palms end facing upwards. as the hands rotate, bring the fingers together so each thumb touches the fingertips of the other fingers of the same hand.

Examples Using "Family" in a Sentence

1

I love my family.

Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', and then perform the 'family' sign, ensuring your wrists rotate smoothly so your palms end facing upwards.

2

My family is very big.

Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'family' by starting with your thumbs touching and rotating your hands, and finish with the sign for 'big'.

3

Are you going to the family party?

Sign 'you', 'go', and then 'family', remembering to bring your fingers together as your hands rotate. Finish with 'party' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Family"
the sign 'family' uses both hands. bring both hands up to chest height, with the palms facing downward and the tips of both thumbs touching. rotate the hands at the wrists so the palms end facing upwards. as the hands rotate, bring the fingers together so each thumb touches the fingertips of the other fingers of the same hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and symbolic. The circular motion of the hands represents a group of people gathered together, like a family sitting in a circle. The movement of bringing the fingers together at the end emphasizes unity and connection within that circle.
Signing Tips
Focus on the smooth rotation of your wrists. Start with your hands at chest height and let the movement flow naturally in a circular motion. As your palms turn upwards, ensure your fingers come together neatly so each thumb touches the fingertips of the same hand, symbolizing a unified group.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping the hands rigid or failing to rotate the wrists fully. Beginners sometimes forget to bring the fingers together at the end of the sign, which is crucial for showing the concept of a group coming together as one. Make sure your palms end up facing upwards.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Family" in a Sentence
1

I love my family.

Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', and then perform the 'family' sign, ensuring your wrists rotate smoothly so your palms end facing upwards.

2

My family is very big.

Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'family' by starting with your thumbs touching and rotating your hands, and finish with the sign for 'big'.

3

Are you going to the family party?

Sign 'you', 'go', and then 'family', remembering to bring your fingers together as your hands rotate. Finish with 'party' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the size of the circle matter?

Yes, keep the circle relatively compact, about the width of your torso. Making it too large can look exaggerated, while keeping it comfortably at chest height looks natural and conversational.

Do my two hands need to touch at the end of the sign?

While your fingers come together on each individual hand (with the thumb touching the fingertips), your two hands don't need to forcefully touch each other. Just bring them close together as your palms face upwards.

Can I use this sign for a group of friends?

This specific sign is reserved for 'family'. For a group of friends, a class, or a general team, you would use the signs for 'group' or 'class', which use similar circular motions but different handshapes.

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