Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Loyal"

To sign 'loyal', hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form an 'L' shape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger forward and your thumb upward. Bring your dominant hand down to tap the bottom edge of the 'L' handshape against the back of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Loyal" in a Sentence

1

She is a loyal friend.

To sign this, point to the person to indicate 'she', then perform the sign for 'loyal', and finish by hooking your index fingers together twice for 'friend'. Your facial expression should look positive and affirming.

2

My dog is very loyal.

Start by signing 'my', then 'dog' by patting your leg and snapping. Next, sign 'very' and follow it up with 'loyal'. This is a great way to describe a pet's devotion.

3

He remained loyal to the team.

Point to the person for 'he', sign 'stay' or 'continue' to show he remained, then sign 'loyal', and finally sign 'team' by circling both 'T' handshapes together. This shows steadfast commitment.

How to Sign "Loyal"
To sign 'loyal', hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form an 'L' shape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger forward and your thumb upward. Bring your dominant hand down to tap the bottom edge of the 'L' handshape against the back of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This specific sign for 'loyal' is an initialized sign, meaning it incorporates the first letter of the English word—in this case, the 'L' handshape. The movement and location of tapping the back of the non-dominant hand borrow from the visual logic of ASL signs related to 'duty', 'habit', or 'obligation'. By combining the 'L' handshape with the location for duty, the sign visually represents the concept of a steadfast, obligatory commitment or allegiance to a person, group, or cause.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'loyal', focus on keeping your non-dominant hand completely flat and stable, acting as a solid foundation. Your dominant hand should form a crisp 'L' shape with the index finger pointing straight forward and the thumb pointing straight up. As you bring your dominant hand down, ensure the movement is deliberate and controlled. Tapping the back of your hand with confidence helps convey the strong, steadfast meaning of the word. Keep your facial expressions matching the tone of your sentence.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make with this sign is tapping the palm of the non-dominant hand instead of the back of the hand. Tapping the palm changes the meaning entirely, as many rule- or law-related signs occur on the palm. Another common error is failing to keep the index finger pointing forward and the thumb pointing up, which can make the 'L' handshape look sloppy or resemble a different letter. Always ensure your base hand is palm-down and your 'L' shape is clearly defined.
Regional Variations
Because ASL is a rich, naturally evolving language, there isn't just one universal sign for 'loyal'. The variation shown here is an initialized sign that taps the back of the hand. However, depending on the region or the signer's background, you will frequently see 'loyal' signed by placing an 'L' handshape directly over the heart or on the upper left chest. This chest variation is very popular because it visually connects the concept of loyalty to the heart, emphasizing devotion and emotional faithfulness.
Examples Using "Loyal" in a Sentence
1

She is a loyal friend.

To sign this, point to the person to indicate 'she', then perform the sign for 'loyal', and finish by hooking your index fingers together twice for 'friend'. Your facial expression should look positive and affirming.

2

My dog is very loyal.

Start by signing 'my', then 'dog' by patting your leg and snapping. Next, sign 'very' and follow it up with 'loyal'. This is a great way to describe a pet's devotion.

3

He remained loyal to the team.

Point to the person for 'he', sign 'stay' or 'continue' to show he remained, then sign 'loyal', and finally sign 'team' by circling both 'T' handshapes together. This shows steadfast commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one way to sign 'loyal'?

Yes! While this video demonstrates an initialized version that taps the back of the hand, another very popular variation involves placing an 'L' handshape over the heart or upper chest. Both are widely understood, but the chest variation is especially common for showing emotional devotion.

Can this sign also mean 'loyalty'?

Absolutely. In American Sign Language, the same sign is frequently used for both the adjective 'loyal' and the noun 'loyalty'. The exact meaning is easily understood based on the context of your sentence and the other signs you use around it.

Should I tap my hand once or twice?

A single, firm tap is usually sufficient to convey the meaning clearly. However, some signers might use a double tap to emphasize the ongoing or continuous nature of the loyalty. As a beginner, a single, deliberate tap is a perfect starting point.

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