How to Sign "Love"
Take both hands in S handshape. Then cross your arms over your chest. This sign is used when telling someone you love them or something else.
Examples Using "Love" in a Sentence
1
I love my family.
Point to yourself for 'I', then cross your arms over your chest with 'S' handshapes for 'love', and finish with the sign for 'family'. Remember to smile to show your genuine affection.
2
Do you love chocolate?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'chocolate', then cross your arms over your chest for 'love'. Raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.
3
I love learning ASL.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest with 'S' hands for 'love', then sign 'learn' and 'ASL'. Your facial expression should reflect your enthusiasm and passion for the language.
How to Sign "Love"
Take both hands in S handshape. Then cross your arms over your chest. This sign is used when telling someone you love them or something else.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'love' is highly iconic, meaning its visual appearance directly relates to its meaning. Crossing your arms over your chest with closed hands mimics the action of holding someone or something very close to your heart. This gentle gesture visually represents a warm, protective embrace. By bringing your hands to your chest, you are physically demonstrating the concept of keeping what you care about near and dear to you.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'love' look natural, keep your facial expressions warm and genuine, as ASL relies heavily on emotion. Ensure your 'S' handshapes are gentle, not tightly clenched fists, and cross your wrists comfortably over your heart. The motion should feel like you are giving yourself a warm, affectionate hug. Let your body language reflect the depth of the feeling you are trying to convey.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is squeezing the fists too tightly, which can make the sign look angry, aggressive, or tense rather than affectionate. Another frequent error is crossing the arms too low on the stomach instead of up over the chest and heart area. Make sure your arms are crossed high enough to clearly convey the emotion, and keep your shoulders relaxed rather than hunched.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Love" in a Sentence
1I love my family.
Point to yourself for 'I', then cross your arms over your chest with 'S' handshapes for 'love', and finish with the sign for 'family'. Remember to smile to show your genuine affection.
2Do you love chocolate?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'chocolate', then cross your arms over your chest for 'love'. Raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.
3I love learning ASL.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest with 'S' hands for 'love', then sign 'learn' and 'ASL'. Your facial expression should reflect your enthusiasm and passion for the language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say I love a type of food?
Yes! In ASL, you can use this crossed-arms sign to express love for both people and things, like your favorite food or a hobby. It perfectly conveys a deep affection or appreciation for whatever you are talking about.
Does it matter which arm is on top when I cross them?
No, it doesn't strictly matter which arm rests on top. Most signers naturally place their dominant arm on the outside or top, but the meaning remains exactly the same either way. Just cross your arms in a way that feels like a comfortable, natural hug.
What is the difference between this sign and the 'ILY' handshape?
The crossed-arms sign is the general word for 'love' and can be applied to people, pets, or objects. The 'ILY' handshape (thumb, index, and pinky extended) is a specific, combined sign that translates exactly to the full phrase 'I love you' and is usually directed at a person.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!