How to Sign "Prince"
To sign prince, start by forming the letter 'P' with your dominant hand. Place your hand near your non-dominant shoulder. Then, bring your hand diagonally across your chest down to your dominant hip.
Examples Using "Prince" in a Sentence
1
The prince rode his horse.
Sign 'prince' by sweeping the 'P' handshape across your chest, followed by the signs for 'horse' and 'ride'.
2
She is reading a story about a prince.
Establish the context by signing 'read' and 'story', then use the diagonal 'P' handshape motion to introduce the character of the prince.
3
The king and prince walked together.
Sign 'king' using a 'K' handshape across the chest, then sign 'prince' using the exact same diagonal motion but with a 'P' handshape.
How to Sign "Prince"
To sign prince, start by forming the letter 'P' with your dominant hand. Place your hand near your non-dominant shoulder. Then, bring your hand diagonally across your chest down to your dominant hip.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for prince is an initialized sign, meaning it uses the first letter of the English word (the 'P' handshape) combined with the movement of a related concept. The diagonal motion across the torso visually represents the royal sash or ribbon traditionally worn by monarchs and nobility across their chests.
Signing Tips
When signing this word, focus on making a clear 'P' handshape so it isn't confused with other royalty signs. The movement should be a smooth, straight diagonal line from your opposite shoulder down to your hip. Imagine you are tracing the path of a royal sash across your chest to help you remember the correct motion and placement.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong handshape, such as a 'K' or 'Q', which changes the meaning to king or queen. Beginners also sometimes make the diagonal movement too small or start it in the center of the chest instead of up near the non-dominant shoulder. Make sure the sweep is wide enough to clearly represent a royal sash.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Prince" in a Sentence
1The prince rode his horse.
Sign 'prince' by sweeping the 'P' handshape across your chest, followed by the signs for 'horse' and 'ride'.
2She is reading a story about a prince.
Establish the context by signing 'read' and 'story', then use the diagonal 'P' handshape motion to introduce the character of the prince.
3The king and prince walked together.
Sign 'king' using a 'K' handshape across the chest, then sign 'prince' using the exact same diagonal motion but with a 'P' handshape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for prince and king?
Both signs use the exact same diagonal movement across the chest to represent a royal sash. The only difference is the handshape: prince uses a 'P' handshape, while king uses a 'K' handshape.
How do I tell the difference between prince and princess?
Both use the 'P' handshape and the same diagonal sash movement. However, princess is often signed with a slight wiggle or flutter of the fingers as the hand moves down to the hip, whereas prince is a smooth, straight sweep.
Do I have to use my dominant hand for this sign?
Yes, you should use your dominant hand to form the 'P' handshape. Start at your non-dominant shoulder and sweep down to your dominant hip. If you are left-handed, start at your right shoulder and sweep down to your left hip.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!