How to Sign "Purse"

To sign 'purse,' form your dominant hand into a fist, as if you are grasping the handle of a bag. Hold your hand down near your side or hip. Bounce your hand up and down slightly a couple of times, mimicking the motion of carrying a purse.

Examples Using "Purse" in a Sentence

1

I forgot my purse at home.

Sign 'I', 'forget', 'my', 'purse', and 'home'. Emphasize the sign for 'purse' by clearly mimicking the handle-holding motion at your side.

2

Your purse is beautiful!

Point to the person for 'your', sign 'purse', and then sign 'beautiful' while using an expressive, admiring facial expression to show your compliment.

3

Where did you buy that purse?

Sign 'that', 'purse', 'you', 'buy', and 'where'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end on the sign for 'where' to show it is a WH-question.

How to Sign "Purse"
To sign 'purse,' form your dominant hand into a fist, as if you are grasping the handle of a bag. Hold your hand down near your side or hip. Bounce your hand up and down slightly a couple of times, mimicking the motion of carrying a purse.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the action it represents in real life. The closed fist mimics a hand firmly grasping the straps or handles of a purse. The slight bouncing motion represents the natural movement and weight of a bag as you carry it by your side while walking.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement small and natural. You do not need to swing your arm wildly; a gentle double bounce at your side is enough to convey the idea of holding a handbag. Make sure your hand is in a closed fist, as if firmly gripping the straps of a purse. Relax your shoulder and let the motion come naturally from your elbow.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the bouncing motion too large or bringing the hand too high up to the chest. The sign should stay relatively low, near your hip or waist, where you would naturally carry a handbag. Also, ensure your hand is closed in a fist, rather than open, to clearly show the grasping action.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Purse" in a Sentence
1

I forgot my purse at home.

Sign 'I', 'forget', 'my', 'purse', and 'home'. Emphasize the sign for 'purse' by clearly mimicking the handle-holding motion at your side.

2

Your purse is beautiful!

Point to the person for 'your', sign 'purse', and then sign 'beautiful' while using an expressive, admiring facial expression to show your compliment.

3

Where did you buy that purse?

Sign 'that', 'purse', 'you', 'buy', and 'where'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end on the sign for 'where' to show it is a WH-question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'purse' the same as 'bag'?

They are very similar and sometimes used interchangeably. However, 'bag' is often signed with a slightly larger, heavier lifting motion, while 'purse' is usually a smaller, lighter bounce at the side.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'purse'?

You should use your dominant hand to sign 'purse.' If you are right-handed, use your right hand to mimic holding the purse at your right side. If you are left-handed, use your left hand.

Can I sign this higher up on my arm?

While some people might mime a shoulder strap for a specific type of shoulder bag, the standard and most widely understood sign for 'purse' is done lower down, near the waist or hip, as if holding it by the handles.

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