How to Sign "Glasses"
Create a C shape with your thumbs and index fingers on both hands. Frame your eyes with the C shape, tapping your thumb twice on the top of your cheek, indicating wearing glasses.
Examples Using "Glasses" in a Sentence
1
I lost my glasses.
Sign 'I', then 'lose', and finish with the sign for 'glasses' by framing your eyes with 'C' handshapes and tapping your thumbs twice on your cheeks.
2
Do you wear glasses?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'glasses' using the 'C' handshapes around your eyes, and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
3
Her glasses are broken.
Point to the person to establish 'her', sign 'glasses' by tapping the 'C' shapes near your eyes, and then perform the sign for 'broken'.
How to Sign "Glasses"
Create a C shape with your thumbs and index fingers on both hands. Frame your eyes with the C shape, tapping your thumb twice on the top of your cheek, indicating wearing glasses.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'glasses' is highly iconic, meaning it visually resembles the object it represents. The 'C' handshapes mimic the round shape of the lenses and frames. By placing them around your eyes, you are directly outlining where eyeglasses sit on a person's face.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping the 'C' shape relaxed but clear, using only your thumb and index finger. Ensure your index fingers rest just above your eyebrows while your thumbs tap the top of your cheekbones. The double tap should be light and quick.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a full, closed 'O' shape instead of an open 'C' shape, which can look like the sign for 'binoculars'. Another frequent error is dragging the hands away from the face instead of executing a crisp, double tap on the cheekbones.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Glasses" in a Sentence
1I lost my glasses.
Sign 'I', then 'lose', and finish with the sign for 'glasses' by framing your eyes with 'C' handshapes and tapping your thumbs twice on your cheeks.
2Do you wear glasses?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'glasses' using the 'C' handshapes around your eyes, and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
3Her glasses are broken.
Point to the person to establish 'her', sign 'glasses' by tapping the 'C' shapes near your eyes, and then perform the sign for 'broken'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use both hands to sign glasses?
Yes, for this specific variation, you should use both hands to create the 'C' shapes around your eyes. This clearly represents the two lenses of a pair of eyeglasses.
What is the difference between signing 'glasses' and 'goggles'?
While both signs are located around the eyes, 'glasses' uses an open 'C' shape with a double tap on the cheeks. 'Goggles' typically uses a tighter 'O' shape held over the eyes and often involves pulling the hands back to mimic a strap.
Does the size of the 'C' shape matter?
Yes, keep the 'C' shape proportional to your eyes, using just your thumb and index finger. If you make the shape too large or use all your fingers, it might look like you are signing 'binoculars' or 'camera' instead.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!