Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Pale"

To sign 'pale,' start by signing 'white': place your flat dominant hand on your chest and pull it outward, bringing your fingers and thumb together into an 'O' shape. Next, bring both hands to the sides of your face, starting with your fingers spread open. Pull them downwards while closing your fingers together, representing the color draining from your face.

Examples Using "Pale" in a Sentence

1

You look really pale today.

Sign 'pale' after pointing to the person, emphasizing the downward motion on your face to show genuine concern about their appearance and health.

2

He turned pale when he heard the scary news.

Use the sign for 'pale' to describe his reaction, making sure to add a shocked or frightened facial expression to match the context of the sentence.

3

I feel sick and my face is pale.

Sign 'sick' and then 'pale,' ensuring you clearly show the 'white' sign on your chest before moving to the draining motion on your face.

How to Sign "Pale"
To sign 'pale,' start by signing 'white': place your flat dominant hand on your chest and pull it outward, bringing your fingers and thumb together into an 'O' shape. Next, bring both hands to the sides of your face, starting with your fingers spread open. Pull them downwards while closing your fingers together, representing the color draining from your face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'pale' is a highly visual and iconic compound that perfectly captures the physical sensation of losing color. It combines the standard ASL sign for 'white'—which is signed by pulling an imaginary piece of white clothing from your chest—with a descriptive gesture that shows color physically draining or fading downward from your cheeks. Together, these two movements create a clear, literal picture of someone's face turning white or losing its natural, healthy flush due to illness or shock.
Signing Tips
When signing 'pale,' your facial expression is just as important as your hand movements. Since 'pale' often implies sickness, shock, or fear, let your face reflect that emotion by slightly dropping your jaw or widening your eyes. Make sure the transition between the sign for 'white' on your chest and the downward draining motion on your face is smooth and fluid. Think of it as one continuous thought: the color white is taking over as your natural complexion fades away.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is forgetting the first part of the sign ('white') and only performing the downward draining motion on the face. Without signing 'white' first, the meaning can be unclear and might be confused with other signs like 'sleepy' or 'fading.' Additionally, avoid keeping your hands completely stiff during the second half of the sign. The motion on your face should look natural and dynamic, visually representing the color physically draining away from your cheeks.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Pale" in a Sentence
1

You look really pale today.

Sign 'pale' after pointing to the person, emphasizing the downward motion on your face to show genuine concern about their appearance and health.

2

He turned pale when he heard the scary news.

Use the sign for 'pale' to describe his reaction, making sure to add a shocked or frightened facial expression to match the context of the sentence.

3

I feel sick and my face is pale.

Sign 'sick' and then 'pale,' ensuring you clearly show the 'white' sign on your chest before moving to the draining motion on your face.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign 'white' first, or can I just touch my face?

You should definitely include the sign for 'white' first. The combination of 'white' and the downward draining motion on the face is what specifically translates to 'pale.' If you only do the facial motion, it might be misunderstood as 'fading,' 'tired,' or simply a descriptive gesture rather than the actual word.

Can I use this sign to describe a pale color, like pale blue?

No, this specific sign is strictly used for a person's complexion, such as when someone looks sick, shocked, or frightened. If you want to describe a light or pale color, like 'pale blue' or 'pale green,' you would use the sign for 'light' followed by the specific color sign.

Does it matter which hand I use for the first part of the sign?

For the first part of the sign ('white'), you should use your dominant hand on your chest. Once you complete that motion, immediately bring both of your hands up to your face for the second part. Using both hands for the draining motion emphasizes the full effect on your complexion.

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