To sign "nap", you will combine the signs for "short" and "sleep". First, make "U" handshapes with both hands by extending your index and middle fingers. Place your right fingers across your left fingers and rub them back and forth slightly to sign "short". Then, bring your open right hand to your right cheek, tilting your head to rest against your palm while closing your eyes to sign "sleep".
Point to yourself for "I", sign "need", and finish with the compound sign for "nap".
Sign "baby" by mimicking rocking an infant, then use the sign for "nap" to show they are sleeping briefly.
Sign "you", "good", and "nap", making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself for "I", sign "need", and finish with the compound sign for "nap".
Sign "baby" by mimicking rocking an infant, then use the sign for "nap" to show they are sleeping briefly.
Sign "you", "good", and "nap", making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
While people might understand you from context, it's better to use the full "short sleep" compound. Signing only "sleep" usually implies a full night's rest, whereas adding "short" clarifies that it's a brief nap.
Yes, closing your eyes and slightly tilting your head during the "sleep" portion of the sign is an important non-manual marker. It adds realism and clarity to the sign, showing the actual action of resting.
Some signers might use the standard sign for "sleep" (drawing the open hand down the face until the fingers touch) but perform it with a smaller, quicker motion to indicate a short duration. However, the "short sleep" combination shown here is very clear and widely used.
