To sign 'onion', form an 'X' handshape with your dominant hand by curling your index finger into a hook and tucking your other fingers into your palm. Place the knuckle of your bent index finger near the outside corner of your eye. Twist your hand back and forth a couple of times.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need' by bringing a hooked 'X' hand downward, sign 'buy' by handing over imaginary money, and finally sign 'onion' near your eye.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like' by pulling your thumb and middle finger away from your chest, and sign 'onion'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'soup' by mimicking eating from a bowl, sign 'have', use the sign for 'many' or 'a lot', and finish with the 'onion' sign. You can use facial expressions to emphasize the large amount.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need' by bringing a hooked 'X' hand downward, sign 'buy' by handing over imaginary money, and finally sign 'onion' near your eye.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like' by pulling your thumb and middle finger away from your chest, and sign 'onion'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'soup' by mimicking eating from a bowl, sign 'have', use the sign for 'many' or 'a lot', and finish with the 'onion' sign. You can use facial expressions to emphasize the large amount.
The location of the sign is a direct reference to the physical reaction we have when cutting onions. The placement and movement near the eye represent the feeling of your eyes watering and the action of wiping away a tear.
They are very similar but have one crucial difference! Both signs use an 'X' handshape and a twisting motion. However, 'apple' is signed lower down on the cheek or near the mouth, while 'onion' must be signed up by the corner of the eye.
You can lightly touch the corner of your eye or upper cheekbone with your knuckle, but it's also completely acceptable to just hover your hand very close to the skin while making the twisting motion. Do whatever feels most comfortable.
