How to Sign "Favorite Color"
To sign 'favorite color', you will combine the signs for 'favorite' and 'color'. First, sign 'favorite' by extending your middle finger forward from an open hand and gently tapping the tip of that middle finger against your chin. Next, smoothly transition into the sign for 'color'. Keep your hand near your chin, spread your fingers wide with your palm facing toward you, and wiggle your fingers rapidly. Because both signs happen in the same location, the movement should feel like a natural, continuous flow.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase combines two highly visual signs. The sign for 'favorite' shares a location and handshape with signs related to taste and preference, tapping the chin to indicate something that is pleasing to the senses. The sign for 'color' features wiggling fingers in front of the face, which visually represents a vibrant spectrum or the fluttering, mixing nature of different hues. Together, they create a clear, iconic representation of a preferred visual shade.
Signing Tips
When signing 'favorite color', focus on the smooth transition between the two words. Since both signs are located at the chin, you do not need to drop your hand in between them. Just shift your handshape from the extended middle finger directly into the spread, wiggling fingers. If you are asking someone 'What is your favorite color?', remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end of the phrase, which is the ASL grammatical marker for 'wh-' questions.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using their index finger instead of their middle finger for the 'favorite' portion of the sign. Make sure it is specifically the middle finger tapping your chin. Another frequent error is dropping the hand down to the chest between 'favorite' and 'color'. This breaks the flow of the phrase; keep your hand up near your chin for both signs to ensure a smooth, natural, and efficient transition.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Favorite Color" in a Sentence
1What is your favorite color?
To ask this, point to the person you are talking to, sign 'favorite color', and furrow your eyebrows while holding the last sign to indicate a 'wh-' question.
2My favorite color is blue.
Point to yourself to indicate 'my', sign 'favorite color', and then sign 'blue' by shaking a 'B' handshape slightly from side to side.
3Her favorite color is green.
Point to the person you are referring to, sign 'favorite color', and then sign 'green' by shaking a 'G' handshape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign 'what' when asking 'what is your favorite color?'
In ASL, you often do not need a separate sign for 'what' in this specific context. You can simply sign 'YOUR FAVORITE COLOR' while furrowing your eyebrows. The facial expression naturally turns the statement into a 'wh-' question.
Can I sign 'color' before 'favorite'?
While ASL grammar often places adjectives after nouns, 'favorite' is typically signed before the noun it modifies. Therefore, signing 'FAVORITE' followed by 'COLOR' is the most standard, natural, and widely understood order for this phrase.
Why do both of these signs happen near the chin?
In ASL, the chin and mouth area is a common location for signs related to personal preference, taste, and expression. Because both 'favorite' and 'color' share this location, combining them is very efficient and flows smoothly without needing to move your arm.
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