Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Pasta"

To sign "pasta", start with both hands in "I" handshapes, meaning only your pinky fingers are extended while the rest are curled inward. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so they are touching. Then, slowly pull your hands outward to the sides while making small, continuous circular or spiraling motions with your pinkies.

Examples Using "Pasta" in a Sentence

1

I love eating pasta.

Sign 'I', 'love', 'eat', and then 'pasta' by starting with your 'I' handshapes together and pulling them apart in a spiraling motion.

2

What kind of pasta do you want?

Sign 'You', 'want', 'what', 'kind', and finish with 'pasta', making sure to emphasize the curly noodle motion with your pinkies.

3

We are having pasta for dinner.

Sign 'Dinner', 'we', 'eat', and then 'pasta'. Keep the spiraling motion smooth and continuous as you move your hands outward.

How to Sign "Pasta"
To sign "pasta", start with both hands in "I" handshapes, meaning only your pinky fingers are extended while the rest are curled inward. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so they are touching. Then, slowly pull your hands outward to the sides while making small, continuous circular or spiraling motions with your pinkies.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'pasta' is highly iconic and visually motivated. The extended pinky fingers represent thin strands of noodles. As you pull your hands apart and move them in a spiraling motion, you are mimicking the look of long, curly strands of pasta or spaghetti being stretched out, twirled on a fork, or tangled together on a plate. It is a great example of how ASL uses visual representation to convey meaning.
Signing Tips
When signing 'pasta', focus on keeping the spiraling motion of your pinkies continuous and fluid as you pull your hands apart. This helps clearly convey the visual idea of long, curly noodles. Ensure your other fingers stay tightly tucked in so the 'I' handshape remains clear. You do not need to make the spirals too large; small, controlled circles are perfect for this sign.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using their index fingers instead of their pinky fingers. Using the index fingers can confuse the sign with others or look like you are drawing straight lines. Another common error is simply pulling the hands apart in a straight line without adding the essential spiraling motion. The spirals are crucial because they represent the curly, twirly nature of the noodles, so be sure not to skip them!
Regional Variations
While this sign is widely used for general pasta and spaghetti across North America, signers will typically fingerspell specific types of pasta (like penne, ravioli, or rigatoni) or use different classifier handshapes to describe their specific shapes.
Examples Using "Pasta" in a Sentence
1

I love eating pasta.

Sign 'I', 'love', 'eat', and then 'pasta' by starting with your 'I' handshapes together and pulling them apart in a spiraling motion.

2

What kind of pasta do you want?

Sign 'You', 'want', 'what', 'kind', and finish with 'pasta', making sure to emphasize the curly noodle motion with your pinkies.

3

We are having pasta for dinner.

Sign 'Dinner', 'we', 'eat', and then 'pasta'. Keep the spiraling motion smooth and continuous as you move your hands outward.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign also mean spaghetti?

Yes, this sign is commonly used interchangeably for both 'pasta' and 'spaghetti'. It is the most recognized and standard sign for long noodles in ASL.

How do I sign different types of pasta, like macaroni?

For specific shapes like macaroni or bowties, signers often use classifiers to show the shape or simply fingerspell the specific name. However, this sign works perfectly as a general term for any pasta dish.

Do my hands need to touch at the beginning of the sign?

Yes, it is best to start with your hands touching or very close together in front of your chest before pulling them apart. This shows the noodles originating from a single serving or pile.

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