How to Sign "Flower"
Either hand can be formed into a flattened "O" with all the fingertips and thumb converging. The fingertips are moved from one side of the nose to the other. This can be done left to right or right to left.
Examples Using "Flower" in a Sentence
1
I bought a beautiful flower.
Sign 'flower' by bringing your flattened 'O' hand to one side of your nose, then the other, as if smelling it. Follow this with the signs for 'beautiful' and 'buy'.
2
My favorite flower is a rose.
After signing 'my favorite', use the flattened 'O' handshape moving across your nose to sign 'flower', and then fingerspell R-O-S-E.
3
The flower smells good.
Sign 'flower' using the side-to-side nose motion, then sign 'smell' and 'good'. The motion for flower already mimics smelling, making the transition between these signs feel very natural.
How to Sign "Flower"
Either hand can be formed into a flattened "O" with all the fingertips and thumb converging. The fingertips are moved from one side of the nose to the other. This can be done left to right or right to left.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'flower' is highly iconic, meaning its movement visually represents the concept. The flattened 'O' handshape mimics holding the delicate stem or the base of the petals of a freshly picked flower. Bringing the hand to one side of the nose and then the other perfectly mimics the natural human action of sniffing a fragrant blossom to enjoy its scent.
Signing Tips
Keep your handshape relaxed but clear. The flattened 'O' (sometimes called a tapered 'O') should have all fingertips touching the thumb. Make sure you actually touch or come very close to the sides of your nose, rather than just waving your hand vaguely in front of your face. The movement should be a gentle, distinct placement on one side, a slight lift, and then a placement on the other.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is dragging the fingers continuously across the tip of the nose instead of lifting the hand slightly between the two sides. Another frequent error is using a round, open 'O' handshape (like looking through a telescope) instead of the flattened 'O' where all the fingertips converge.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Flower" in a Sentence
1I bought a beautiful flower.
Sign 'flower' by bringing your flattened 'O' hand to one side of your nose, then the other, as if smelling it. Follow this with the signs for 'beautiful' and 'buy'.
2My favorite flower is a rose.
After signing 'my favorite', use the flattened 'O' handshape moving across your nose to sign 'flower', and then fingerspell R-O-S-E.
3The flower smells good.
Sign 'flower' using the side-to-side nose motion, then sign 'smell' and 'good'. The motion for flower already mimics smelling, making the transition between these signs feel very natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which side of the nose I start on?
No, it doesn't matter! You can start on the left side and move to the right, or start on the right side and move to the left. Just use whichever direction feels most comfortable and natural for your dominant hand.
Should my fingers physically touch my nose?
Yes, it is standard to lightly touch the fingertips of your flattened 'O' hand to one side of your nose, lift your hand slightly, and then lightly touch the other side.
Is this sign used for all types of flowers?
Yes, this is the general, universal sign for any flower. If you want to talk about a specific type of flower, like a daisy, sunflower, or tulip, you would typically sign 'flower' first and then fingerspell the specific name.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!