How to Sign "Kite"

To sign "kite," form both hands into "S" shapes (closed fists) as if you are grasping a kite string. Position your dominant hand higher and slightly further out than your non-dominant hand. Make a few short tugging motions, mimicking the action of flying a kite. Don't forget to look up towards your imaginary kite to complete the sign!

Examples Using "Kite" in a Sentence

1

Let's go fly a kite at the park.

Sign 'park', 'go', and then use the sign for 'kite' by mimicking the tugging of the string. You don't need a separate sign for 'fly' here, as the action is built into the sign.

2

The red kite is flying high.

Sign 'red' and 'kite'. To show it flying high, you can use a flat hand classifier to represent the kite soaring upward into the sky.

3

I bought a new kite today.

Sign 'today', 'I', 'buy', 'new', and finish with the sign for 'kite', making sure your hands are positioned as if holding the string.

How to Sign "Kite"
To sign "kite," form both hands into "S" shapes (closed fists) as if you are grasping a kite string. Position your dominant hand higher and slightly further out than your non-dominant hand. Make a few short tugging motions, mimicking the action of flying a kite. Don't forget to look up towards your imaginary kite to complete the sign!
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the action it represents in real life. Your hands mimic holding the string of a kite, and the tugging motion represents controlling the kite as it catches the wind.
Signing Tips
Make sure to incorporate your eye gaze! Looking up towards where the imaginary kite would be flying adds natural expression and clarity to the sign. Keep your movements light and bouncy to show the tension of the string pulling in the wind.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping your hands too close to your chest or looking straight ahead. Remember that flying a kite is an outward, upward activity, so your hands and eyes should reflect that upward direction.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kite" in a Sentence
1

Let's go fly a kite at the park.

Sign 'park', 'go', and then use the sign for 'kite' by mimicking the tugging of the string. You don't need a separate sign for 'fly' here, as the action is built into the sign.

2

The red kite is flying high.

Sign 'red' and 'kite'. To show it flying high, you can use a flat hand classifier to represent the kite soaring upward into the sky.

3

I bought a new kite today.

Sign 'today', 'I', 'buy', 'new', and finish with the sign for 'kite', making sure your hands are positioned as if holding the string.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a specific hand for the top hand?

Usually, your dominant hand is the one placed higher up on the imaginary string, as it typically does the active pulling. However, you can position whichever hand feels most natural to you.

Is the sign for 'kite' the same as 'fly'?

No, 'fly' usually refers to an airplane or a bird and uses different handshapes (like the 'ILY' handshape for a plane). 'Kite' specifically mimics the action of holding and tugging a string.

How do I show what the kite is doing in the sky?

First, sign 'kite' to establish the topic. Then, use your dominant hand as a flat surface (a classifier) to show the kite dipping, soaring, or even crashing to the ground.

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