Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Gold"

To sign 'gold', start by pointing your dominant index finger at your earlobe, as if you are pointing to a gold earring. Next, move your hand outward and downward away from your ear. As you make this movement, smoothly transition your hand into a 'Y' handshape, keeping your thumb and pinky fingers fully extended. The entire motion should be fluid and deliberate.

Examples Using "Gold" in a Sentence

1

She won a gold medal.

Sign 'she', 'win', 'gold', and 'medal'. When signing 'gold', ensure the transition from the index finger at the ear to the 'Y' handshape is fluid before moving on to the sign for 'medal'.

2

My ring is made of gold.

Point to your ring finger to establish the topic, then sign 'gold'. The sign for 'gold' acts as the descriptor for the ring, emphasizing the precious metal it is made of.

3

I love your gold shoes!

Sign 'I', 'love', 'your', 'gold', and then 'shoes'. Make sure to clearly touch your earlobe for 'gold' so it isn't accidentally confused with the sign for the color 'yellow'.

How to Sign "Gold"
To sign 'gold', start by pointing your dominant index finger at your earlobe, as if you are pointing to a gold earring. Next, move your hand outward and downward away from your ear. As you make this movement, smoothly transition your hand into a 'Y' handshape, keeping your thumb and pinky fingers fully extended. The entire motion should be fluid and deliberate.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'gold' is a wonderful example of combining visual logic with English initialization. Pointing to the earlobe is a visual reference to wearing a gold earring, a historically common and obvious display of the precious metal. As the hand moves away, it forms a 'Y' handshape. This 'Y' stands for the English word 'yellow', referencing the distinctive color of gold. Together, these elements create a highly iconic and memorable sign.
Signing Tips
When signing 'gold', focus on making the transition between the two handshapes as fluid as possible. Don't pause after pointing to your earlobe; let the movement outward naturally pull your fingers into the 'Y' handshape. Ensure your thumb and pinky are fully extended at the end of the sign so the 'Y' is clearly visible. Keep your facial expressions relaxed unless you are describing something particularly shiny or expensive!
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is skipping the earlobe entirely and just shaking a 'Y' handshape in the air. This will confuse your conversation partner, as that is the sign for 'yellow'. Another frequent error is starting the sign already in the 'Y' handshape at the ear. Remember to always start with just your index finger pointing to the earlobe before transitioning to the 'Y' shape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gold" in a Sentence
1

She won a gold medal.

Sign 'she', 'win', 'gold', and 'medal'. When signing 'gold', ensure the transition from the index finger at the ear to the 'Y' handshape is fluid before moving on to the sign for 'medal'.

2

My ring is made of gold.

Point to your ring finger to establish the topic, then sign 'gold'. The sign for 'gold' acts as the descriptor for the ring, emphasizing the precious metal it is made of.

3

I love your gold shoes!

Sign 'I', 'love', 'your', 'gold', and then 'shoes'. Make sure to clearly touch your earlobe for 'gold' so it isn't accidentally confused with the sign for the color 'yellow'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for 'gold' start at the ear?

The sign starts at the earlobe to reference a gold earring, which is a traditional and easily recognizable piece of jewelry. This location is a common pattern for precious metals in ASL; for example, the sign for 'silver' also starts at the earlobe.

How is 'gold' different from 'yellow'?

While both signs use the 'Y' handshape, 'yellow' is signed by simply twisting the 'Y' handshape in the neutral space in front of your body. 'Gold' must start with the index finger touching the earlobe before moving away and forming the 'Y' shape.

Can I use this sign for the color gold as well as the metal?

Yes! This sign is used for both the physical metal (like a gold necklace) and the color gold (like a gold car or gold paint). The context of your sentence will make it clear to the viewer which meaning you intend.

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