Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Mustache"

To sign mustache, use both hands in a 'G' handshape, with your index fingers and thumbs extended and close together. Place your fingers together right under your nose. Pull both hands outward and slightly down, tracing the shape of a mustache above your upper lip.

Examples Using "Mustache" in a Sentence

1

He has a thick mustache.

Sign 'he', 'have', and then sign 'mustache'. You can puff your cheeks slightly and use a thicker handshape to emphasize that the mustache is thick.

2

I want to grow a mustache.

Sign 'I', 'want', 'grow', and finish with the 'mustache' sign to clearly show what kind of facial hair you are hoping to grow.

3

My dad shaved his mustache.

Sign 'my', 'dad', 'shave' by miming a razor scraping down your cheek or upper lip, and then sign 'mustache' to specify what was removed.

How to Sign "Mustache"
To sign mustache, use both hands in a 'G' handshape, with your index fingers and thumbs extended and close together. Place your fingers together right under your nose. Pull both hands outward and slightly down, tracing the shape of a mustache above your upper lip.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for mustache is a perfect example of an iconic sign in American Sign Language, meaning it visually represents the concept it describes. The 'G' handshape acts as a classifier for something thin and graspable. By starting under the nose and pulling outward, the movement of your fingers directly mimics the physical shape, length, and location of a mustache on a person's face. It is essentially drawing the facial hair directly onto yourself.
Signing Tips
When signing mustache, keep your movements smooth and deliberate. Your hands should lightly touch or hover just above your skin to clearly establish the location on the face. A great tip for ASL is that you can use this sign to show exactly what kind of mustache someone has! The size and shape of your movement can indicate the size of the mustache—a wider pull means a larger, wider mustache, while a short, quick movement indicates a small one.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using the wrong handshape, such as a full flat hand, which makes the sign look messy and unclear. Another frequent error is placing the sign too low on the chin or cheeks, which can easily be confused with the sign for beard. Make sure to use only your index fingers and thumbs, and keep the starting point anchored right under your nose before tracing outward along the upper lip.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Mustache" in a Sentence
1

He has a thick mustache.

Sign 'he', 'have', and then sign 'mustache'. You can puff your cheeks slightly and use a thicker handshape to emphasize that the mustache is thick.

2

I want to grow a mustache.

Sign 'I', 'want', 'grow', and finish with the 'mustache' sign to clearly show what kind of facial hair you are hoping to grow.

3

My dad shaved his mustache.

Sign 'my', 'dad', 'shave' by miming a razor scraping down your cheek or upper lip, and then sign 'mustache' to specify what was removed.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show different styles of mustaches?

You can modify the sign by changing the path of your fingers. For a handlebar mustache, simply curl your fingers up at the end of the movement to draw the shape in the air!

Is this sign related to the sign for beard?

They are related in concept! Both are iconic signs that trace facial hair. While mustache traces the upper lip with a pinched handshape, beard traces the jawline and chin, usually with a full 'C' or open handshape.

Do I need to physically touch my face when signing mustache?

You don't have to press firmly against your skin. Your fingers should lightly touch or hover just a fraction of an inch above your upper lip to clearly show the location without messing up your face.

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