How to Sign "Grey"

To sign 'grey', start with both hands open and your fingers spread apart, holding them in front of your chest with your palms facing inward. Bring your hands together so that your fingers interlace and slide past each other. Move your hands back and forth a few times, letting your fingers continuously pass through the spaces of the opposite hand.

Examples Using "Grey" in a Sentence

1

My cat is grey.

Sign 'MY' and 'CAT', then sign 'GREY' by holding both hands open with palms facing inward and sliding your interlaced fingers back and forth.

2

The sky looks grey today.

First establish the time by signing 'TODAY', then sign 'SKY' and 'LOOK'. Finish by using the back-and-forth interlacing motion for 'GREY'.

3

I want to buy a grey shirt.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', 'BUY', and 'SHIRT', then describe the shirt by signing 'GREY' with your fingers smoothly gliding past one another.

How to Sign "Grey"
To sign 'grey', start with both hands open and your fingers spread apart, holding them in front of your chest with your palms facing inward. Bring your hands together so that your fingers interlace and slide past each other. Move your hands back and forth a few times, letting your fingers continuously pass through the spaces of the opposite hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'grey' visually represents the mixing or blending of two contrasting colors, black and white. The interlacing and sliding fingers mimic the idea of two things merging together to create a new shade.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrists relaxed and let the movement come from your arms sliding back and forth. Your fingers don't need to lock together; they should smoothly and loosely glide past one another.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is locking the fingers together tightly instead of letting them slide past each other. Make sure your hands are actively moving back and forth, not just clasping.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Grey" in a Sentence
1

My cat is grey.

Sign 'MY' and 'CAT', then sign 'GREY' by holding both hands open with palms facing inward and sliding your interlaced fingers back and forth.

2

The sky looks grey today.

First establish the time by signing 'TODAY', then sign 'SKY' and 'LOOK'. Finish by using the back-and-forth interlacing motion for 'GREY'.

3

I want to buy a grey shirt.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', 'BUY', and 'SHIRT', then describe the shirt by signing 'GREY' with your fingers smoothly gliding past one another.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand is closer to my chest?

No, it doesn't matter which hand is slightly closer to your body. Just ensure your palms are facing inward and your fingers are sliding past each other.

Is the sign for 'gray' and 'grey' the same?

Yes! Regardless of how the word is spelled in English, the ASL sign remains exactly the same.

How many times should I slide my hands back and forth?

Typically, you'll slide your hands back and forth two or three times. It should be a smooth, continuous motion.

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