How to Sign "Loved"
To sign 'loved,' cross both arms over your chest as if giving yourself a gentle hug. Your hands should be formed into relaxed fists. Pull your arms in slightly against your chest to complete the sign.
Examples Using "Loved" in a Sentence
1
I loved that movie!
Sign 'I', then 'LOVE' by crossing your arms over your chest, followed by 'THAT MOVIE'. You can add an enthusiastic facial expression and a slight nod to show your strong positive feelings about the film.
2
She loved her gift.
Point to the person to indicate 'She', sign 'LOVE', and then 'GIFT'. To make the past tense completely clear if it isn't already established in conversation, you can sign 'PAST' at the beginning of the sentence.
3
He is loved by his family.
ASL typically uses active voice rather than passive voice. You would structure this sentence as 'His family loves him.' Sign 'HIS FAMILY', then 'LOVE', and point to him to complete the thought.
How to Sign "Loved"
To sign 'loved,' cross both arms over your chest as if giving yourself a gentle hug. Your hands should be formed into relaxed fists. Pull your arms in slightly against your chest to complete the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'loved' is highly iconic and universally understood by both deaf and hearing people alike. It visually mimics the action of giving someone a warm, affectionate hug, holding them close to your heart. This physical representation of embracing someone or something perfectly captures the deep emotional feeling of love, making it easy to remember.
Signing Tips
When signing 'loved,' your facial expression is just as important as your hands! A warm, genuine smile helps convey the emotion behind the word. Remember that ASL doesn't use '-ed' endings for past tense verbs; instead, you use the standard sign for 'love' and rely on the context of your sentence or a time sign like 'PAST' to show the action already happened.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the fists too tight or the movement too rigid, which can make the sign look aggressive rather than affectionate. Keep your hands in relaxed fists and use a gentle, pulling-in motion. Also, avoid crossing your arms too low on your stomach; the sign should be centered over your heart.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Loved" in a Sentence
1I loved that movie!
Sign 'I', then 'LOVE' by crossing your arms over your chest, followed by 'THAT MOVIE'. You can add an enthusiastic facial expression and a slight nod to show your strong positive feelings about the film.
2She loved her gift.
Point to the person to indicate 'She', sign 'LOVE', and then 'GIFT'. To make the past tense completely clear if it isn't already established in conversation, you can sign 'PAST' at the beginning of the sentence.
3He is loved by his family.
ASL typically uses active voice rather than passive voice. You would structure this sentence as 'His family loves him.' Sign 'HIS FAMILY', then 'LOVE', and point to him to complete the thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show that 'loved' is in the past tense?
In ASL, verbs don't change their form for the past tense. You use the exact same sign for 'love' and 'loved.' To show it happened in the past, you establish the timeframe at the beginning of your sentence using a sign like 'PAST' or 'YESTERDAY,' or simply rely on the conversational context.
Can I use this sign for loving an object, like a book or food?
Yes! While you can use this traditional 'hug' sign to say you loved a movie or a book, ASL also has a specific 'kiss-fist' sign (kissing the back of your 'S' hand and moving it outward) that is often used to express a strong passion or love for things, food, or hobbies.
Does it matter which arm is on top when I cross them?
No, it doesn't strictly matter which arm is on top. Most signers naturally place their dominant arm on top or closer to the outside, but the sign is perfectly understood either way. Just do whatever feels most comfortable and natural for your body.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!