Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "House"

the sign 'house' uses both hands. press the tips of the middle fingers of both hands together, with the rest of the hands apart to create a triangular shape with the hands. move the fingertips apart so the palms are flat and parallel, then bring the hands down like the hands are making the sides of the house.

Examples Using "House" in a Sentence

1

I am going to my house.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'go', then sign 'my'. Finish by making the roof and sides shape for 'house'. Remember to keep your palms flat and parallel as you trace the walls downward to clearly show the structure.

2

Your house is beautiful.

Sign 'your' by pushing a flat palm toward the person you are talking to. Next, sign 'house' by tracing the peaked roof and straight walls. Follow up with the sign for 'beautiful' to complete the description.

3

We bought a new house.

Sign 'we' by tapping your right shoulder then your left with your index finger. Sign 'buy', followed by 'new'. Finally, trace the triangular roof and straight vertical walls to sign 'house', keeping your movements sharp and deliberate.

How to Sign "House"
the sign 'house' uses both hands. press the tips of the middle fingers of both hands together, with the rest of the hands apart to create a triangular shape with the hands. move the fingertips apart so the palms are flat and parallel, then bring the hands down like the hands are making the sides of the house.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'house' is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the physical shape of the object it describes. By bringing the hands together at an angle, you trace the pitched roof of a traditional house. Moving the hands straight down outlines the vertical walls. This visual tracing technique is very common in ASL for representing physical structures, making it an easy sign for beginners to remember.
Signing Tips
When signing 'house', make sure your movements are crisp and clearly define the shape. Start with a distinct peak for the roof using your flat hands, ensuring your fingertips touch. Pause slightly at the eaves before bringing your hands straight down to form the walls. Keep your fingers closed together and your palms flat to make the structure look solid and recognizable. A clear, deliberate movement helps distinguish it from similar signs.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the roof shape too rounded or curving the walls inward, which makes the sign look like a dome or a bell rather than a traditional house. Beginners also sometimes forget to separate their hands at the top of the walls, bringing them straight down from the peak instead of tracing the eaves. Ensure your lines are straight and angular.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "House" in a Sentence
1

I am going to my house.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'go', then sign 'my'. Finish by making the roof and sides shape for 'house'. Remember to keep your palms flat and parallel as you trace the walls downward to clearly show the structure.

2

Your house is beautiful.

Sign 'your' by pushing a flat palm toward the person you are talking to. Next, sign 'house' by tracing the peaked roof and straight walls. Follow up with the sign for 'beautiful' to complete the description.

3

We bought a new house.

Sign 'we' by tapping your right shoulder then your left with your index finger. Sign 'buy', followed by 'new'. Finally, trace the triangular roof and straight vertical walls to sign 'house', keeping your movements sharp and deliberate.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'house' and 'home' in ASL?

'House' refers to the physical building, signed by tracing the roof and walls. 'Home' refers to the place you live, signed by touching your pinched fingers to your chin and then your cheek, representing where you eat and sleep.

Do I need to make a specific facial expression when signing 'house'?

For the word 'house' itself, a neutral facial expression is fine. However, if you are describing a huge house, you might puff your cheeks, or if it is a tiny house, you might purse your lips to show size.

Can I use this sign for any type of building?

This specific sign is best used for a house. For a general 'building' or 'city', there are different signs that involve stacking the hands on top of each other to represent multiple floors or skyscrapers.

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