How to Sign "Kissing"

To sign 'kissing', form both hands into flattened 'O' shapes, where your fingers are straight but bent at the knuckles to touch your thumb. Bring your hands up in front of your face and gently tap the fingertips of both hands together twice. This motion mimics two mouths coming together for a mutual kiss.

Examples Using "Kissing" in a Sentence

1

The couple is kissing.

Establish the couple first, then use the two-handed 'kissing' sign to show them engaging in a mutual kiss.

2

I saw them kissing at the park.

Point to where they were or sign 'THEM', then use the 'kissing' sign to describe the action you witnessed.

3

They couldn't stop kissing.

Sign 'THEY', 'CAN'T', 'STOP', and then perform the 'kissing' sign with a continuous or repeated motion to emphasize the ongoing action.

How to Sign "Kissing"
To sign 'kissing', form both hands into flattened 'O' shapes, where your fingers are straight but bent at the knuckles to touch your thumb. Bring your hands up in front of your face and gently tap the fingertips of both hands together twice. This motion mimics two mouths coming together for a mutual kiss.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the action it describes. The two flattened 'O' hands symbolize two mouths coming together to share a kiss.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrists relaxed and ensure the movement is gentle. The hands should meet evenly in the middle to clearly show a mutual action between two people.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using only one hand, which changes the meaning to kissing someone on the cheek rather than a mutual kiss between two people. Also, avoid clapping the hands together too forcefully.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kissing" in a Sentence
1

The couple is kissing.

Establish the couple first, then use the two-handed 'kissing' sign to show them engaging in a mutual kiss.

2

I saw them kissing at the park.

Point to where they were or sign 'THEM', then use the 'kissing' sign to describe the action you witnessed.

3

They couldn't stop kissing.

Sign 'THEY', 'CAN'T', 'STOP', and then perform the 'kissing' sign with a continuous or repeated motion to emphasize the ongoing action.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say I kissed my dog?

No, this specific two-handed sign implies a mutual kiss on the lips between two people. To sign kissing a pet or a baby, you would typically use one hand in a flattened 'O' shape and bring it to your cheek or the back of your other hand.

Is there a difference between the signs for 'kiss' and 'kissing'?

The base sign is the same. However, to show the continuous action of 'kissing', you might repeat the tapping motion of the hands more than once to indicate that the action is ongoing.

Why do the hands need to be in a flattened 'O' shape?

The flattened 'O' shape best mimics the shape of a mouth or lips. When both hands use this shape and meet in the middle, it creates a clear visual representation of two people kissing.

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