Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Grass"

To sign "grass," form a relaxed "5" handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers spread apart and slightly curved. Bring your hand up to your face with your palm facing inward. Gently tap the heel of your hand against the bottom of your chin twice. Your upward-pointing fingers should look like blades of grass growing up in front of your face.

Examples Using "Grass" in a Sentence

1

The grass is very green.

To sign this, start by signing 'grass' by tapping the heel of your open, curved hand against your chin. Then, sign 'green' by shaking a 'G' handshape in front of you.

2

I need to mow the grass.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'must' by bending an 'X' finger downward, sign 'grass' at your chin, and finish by mimicking the motion of pushing a lawnmower.

3

The dog loves the grass.

Sign 'dog' by patting your leg and snapping, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, and finally sign 'grass' to show what the dog loves.

How to Sign "Grass"
To sign "grass," form a relaxed "5" handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers spread apart and slightly curved. Bring your hand up to your face with your palm facing inward. Gently tap the heel of your hand against the bottom of your chin twice. Your upward-pointing fingers should look like blades of grass growing up in front of your face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'grass' is a wonderful example of visual motivation in ASL. The spread, upward-pointing fingers of your hand visually represent individual blades of grass growing out of the earth. Placing the heel of the hand at the chin provides a solid 'ground' base, allowing the fingers to fan out clearly in your signing space to illustrate the plant.
Signing Tips
When signing 'grass,' keep your fingers relaxed and slightly curved, pointing upward to mimic the natural look of grass blades. Make sure the gentle tapping movement comes from your arm and wrist. Don't press too hard or cover your mouth entirely; just let the heel of your palm bounce lightly against the underside of your chin.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using a completely flat hand instead of keeping the fingers curved and spread apart. Another common error is tapping the actual fingers against the chin instead of the heel of the hand. Ensure the heel of your palm makes contact with your chin so your fingers can point freely upward like growing grass.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Grass" in a Sentence
1

The grass is very green.

To sign this, start by signing 'grass' by tapping the heel of your open, curved hand against your chin. Then, sign 'green' by shaking a 'G' handshape in front of you.

2

I need to mow the grass.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'must' by bending an 'X' finger downward, sign 'grass' at your chin, and finish by mimicking the motion of pushing a lawnmower.

3

The dog loves the grass.

Sign 'dog' by patting your leg and snapping, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, and finally sign 'grass' to show what the dog loves.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'grass'?

Yes, you should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to tap your chin. If you are left-handed, use your left hand. This keeps your signing consistent and natural.

How many times should I tap my chin?

Generally, you should tap the heel of your hand against your chin twice. While a single tap might occasionally be seen in very fast, fluent conversation, a distinct double tap is the standard way to sign the noun 'grass'.

Is this sign easily confused with others?

It can be! It happens in the same location as the sign for 'dirty.' However, 'dirty' involves wiggling your fingers under your chin. For 'grass,' your fingers stay completely still while the heel of your hand taps your chin.

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