How to Sign "Juice"
To sign 'juice', ball the hand into a fist, leaving the pinkie outstretched. Bring the dominant hand up to the face, and arch the wrist so the tip of the pinkie touches the corner of the mouth, then out past the cheek.
Examples Using "Juice" in a Sentence
1
Do you want apple juice?
Sign 'APPLE' by twisting your index knuckle on your cheek, then sign 'JUICE' by tracing the 'J' shape at the corner of your mouth. Raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
2
I spilled my juice.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'SPILL', and then sign 'JUICE' by bringing your outstretched pinkie to the corner of your mouth and arching it outward past your cheek.
3
Orange juice is my favorite.
Sign 'ORANGE' by squeezing your fist near your chin, then immediately transition your hand into the outstretched pinkie to sign 'JUICE' at the corner of your mouth, followed by 'MY' and 'FAVORITE'.
How to Sign "Juice"
To sign 'juice', ball the hand into a fist, leaving the pinkie outstretched. Bring the dominant hand up to the face, and arch the wrist so the tip of the pinkie touches the corner of the mouth, then out past the cheek.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'juice' is an initialized sign, meaning it borrows the first letter of the English word. It uses the ASL letter 'J' (the outstretched pinkie) and places it near the mouth, the location naturally associated with eating, drinking, and tasting.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'juice' look natural, keep your fist relaxed but ensure your pinkie is fully extended. The movement should be a smooth, quick scoop starting right at the corner of your mouth and flicking outward, mimicking how you draw the letter 'J' in the air.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the index finger instead of the pinkie, which changes the meaning entirely. Another frequent error is signing too far away from the face; make sure the tip of your pinkie actually touches or comes very close to the corner of your mouth.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Juice" in a Sentence
1Do you want apple juice?
Sign 'APPLE' by twisting your index knuckle on your cheek, then sign 'JUICE' by tracing the 'J' shape at the corner of your mouth. Raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
2I spilled my juice.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'SPILL', and then sign 'JUICE' by bringing your outstretched pinkie to the corner of your mouth and arching it outward past your cheek.
3Orange juice is my favorite.
Sign 'ORANGE' by squeezing your fist near your chin, then immediately transition your hand into the outstretched pinkie to sign 'JUICE' at the corner of your mouth, followed by 'MY' and 'FAVORITE'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which side of my mouth I use?
Yes, you should use the side of your mouth that matches your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand and touch the right corner of your mouth.
How is this different from just signing the letter 'J'?
While both use the exact same handshape and swooping motion, the sign for 'juice' is specifically placed at the corner of the mouth. The standard letter 'J' is signed lower down in your neutral signing space.
Do I need to mouth the word 'juice' while signing?
You don't have to exaggerate it, but a natural, subtle mouthing of the word 'juice' can help clarify your meaning, especially since the sign is located right next to your lips.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!