To sign 'intercourse', form an 'X' handshape with your dominant hand. Tap the side of your upper cheek near your eye with the knuckle of your curled index finger. Then, move your hand down slightly and tap the side of your lower cheek near your jaw. The movement consists of two distinct taps along the side of your face.
Sign 'safe' followed by 'intercourse' to convey the concept of practicing safe sex. Ensure your facial expression matches the informative, serious nature of the sentence.
Use the sign for 'discuss', then 'emotion', and finish with 'intercourse'. When signing about emotional topics, your body language should reflect a thoughtful tone.
Sign 'health', 'class', 'topic', and then 'intercourse' to explain the subject matter. This is a straightforward, informative sentence, so keep your signing clear and neutral.
Sign 'safe' followed by 'intercourse' to convey the concept of practicing safe sex. Ensure your facial expression matches the informative, serious nature of the sentence.
Use the sign for 'discuss', then 'emotion', and finish with 'intercourse'. When signing about emotional topics, your body language should reflect a thoughtful tone.
Sign 'health', 'class', 'topic', and then 'intercourse' to explain the subject matter. This is a straightforward, informative sentence, so keep your signing clear and neutral.
In most contexts, the sign is exactly the same. The 'X' handshape tapping the cheek is the standard sign for 'sex', which is used interchangeably for 'intercourse'. While there are more explicit signs for the physical act, this is the most common and polite general term.
You should tap the side of the face that corresponds to your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, tap your right cheek, and if you are left-handed, tap your left cheek. Crossing over to the opposite side of your face is awkward and incorrect in ASL.
While some signers might use a single tap in fast, casual conversation, the standard and clearest way to sign it is with two distinct taps—one higher on the cheek and one lower. As a beginner, it is best to stick to the two-tap method for clarity.
