Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Pretty"

to sign 'pretty', bring your dominant hand up towards the cheek on the same side as the dominant hand. splay the fingers and relax the hand. bring the hand in front of the face, with the palm facing towards you, bringing your fingers together as you drag the hand across. by the time the hand reaches the other cheek, all of the pads of the fingers should be pressed together.

Examples Using "Pretty" in a Sentence

1

That is a pretty dress.

To sign this, you will first sign 'pretty' by sweeping your open dominant hand across your face and bringing the fingers together. Then, sign 'dress' by brushing both hands downward along your body to indicate the clothing.

2

She looks pretty today.

First, point to the person you are talking about. Next, sign 'pretty' using the smooth, face-sweeping motion described, making sure to include a complimentary facial expression. Finally, finish the sentence with the sign for 'today'.

3

The sunset is very pretty.

After signing 'sunset', you can emphasize the word 'pretty' by making the sweeping motion across your face slightly slower and larger. Pair this with an appreciative smile or widened eyes to convey the 'very' aspect of the sentence.

How to Sign "Pretty"
to sign 'pretty', bring your dominant hand up towards the cheek on the same side as the dominant hand. splay the fingers and relax the hand. bring the hand in front of the face, with the palm facing towards you, bringing your fingers together as you drag the hand across. by the time the hand reaches the other cheek, all of the pads of the fingers should be pressed together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'pretty' is highly iconic and visually motivated, directly relating to the concept of an attractive face. By sweeping the hand across the face, the signer is literally drawing attention to the facial features, which are traditionally associated with beauty. The fingers starting open and gradually coming together symbolize gathering, encompassing, or capturing that beauty into a single, pleasing concept. This graceful, sweeping motion reflects the gentle and pleasant nature of the word itself.
Signing Tips
When signing 'pretty', focus on keeping the motion smooth and fluid as your hand crosses your face. Your facial expression is just as important as your hands—make sure to smile or show genuine admiration to fully convey the meaning of the word. Let your fingers close naturally and gradually into a pinched shape by the time you reach the opposite cheek. Think of it as a gentle, sweeping gesture rather than a sharp or robotic movement, which helps give the sign its graceful appearance.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is snapping the fingers shut too quickly or making the hand movement too rigid. The fingers should close gradually and smoothly as the hand moves across the face, only fully coming together at the very end of the motion. Additionally, be careful not to actually touch or drag your fingers across your skin; keep your hand just a few inches away from your face. Finally, remember not to block your eyes with your hand as you sweep across.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Pretty" in a Sentence
1

That is a pretty dress.

To sign this, you will first sign 'pretty' by sweeping your open dominant hand across your face and bringing the fingers together. Then, sign 'dress' by brushing both hands downward along your body to indicate the clothing.

2

She looks pretty today.

First, point to the person you are talking about. Next, sign 'pretty' using the smooth, face-sweeping motion described, making sure to include a complimentary facial expression. Finally, finish the sentence with the sign for 'today'.

3

The sunset is very pretty.

After signing 'sunset', you can emphasize the word 'pretty' by making the sweeping motion across your face slightly slower and larger. Pair this with an appreciative smile or widened eyes to convey the 'very' aspect of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pretty' and 'beautiful' in ASL?

While they are very similar and sometimes used interchangeably, 'beautiful' usually starts exactly like 'pretty' but then the hand opens back up and moves slightly forward away from the face. 'Pretty' simply ends with the fingers pinched together at the opposite cheek.

Do I actually touch my face when signing 'pretty'?

No, you do not need to make physical contact with your skin. You should keep your hand hovering just an inch or two away from your face as you sweep it across. This keeps the sign visible and prevents you from brushing your eyes.

Can I use either hand to sign 'pretty'?

You should use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, start on your right cheek and sweep across to the left. If you are left-handed, start on your left cheek and sweep across to the right.

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