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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Queue"

To sign 'queue' (or 'line'), start with both hands flat, fingers pointing forward and palms facing each other. Place your dominant hand just behind your non-dominant hand. Keep your non-dominant hand still to represent the front of the line, and pull your dominant hand straight back toward your chest to show the line extending backward.

Examples Using "Queue" in a Sentence

1

The queue for the movie is very long.

Sign 'movie', then sign 'queue'. You can pull your dominant hand further back than usual and use a facial expression with widened eyes to emphasize the extreme length of the line.

2

Please wait in the queue.

Sign 'please', 'wait', and then 'queue'. When signing 'queue', you can direct your hands slightly toward the actual physical location where the line is forming to give clear spatial directions.

3

Are you in the queue?

Point to the person, sign 'queue', and raise your eyebrows while leaning slightly forward. This non-manual marker indicates that you are asking a yes/no question about their place in line.

How to Sign "Queue"
To sign 'queue' (or 'line'), start with both hands flat, fingers pointing forward and palms facing each other. Place your dominant hand just behind your non-dominant hand. Keep your non-dominant hand still to represent the front of the line, and pull your dominant hand straight back toward your chest to show the line extending backward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'queue' is highly visual and iconic, relying on spatial representation to convey meaning. The stationary non-dominant hand represents the first person or item standing at the very front of the line. As the dominant hand pulls backward toward your body, it physically traces the growing length of the line of people waiting behind that first person. It is a perfect example of how ASL uses space to paint a picture of real-world concepts.
Signing Tips
When signing 'queue', imagine you are physically tracing a line of people waiting. Make sure your non-dominant hand stays completely still; it acts as the anchor or the 'front' of the line. Pulling your dominant hand back smoothly and straight toward your body helps clearly convey the idea of people lining up one behind the other. You can even exaggerate the backward movement if you want to emphasize that the queue is exceptionally long!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving both hands apart simultaneously or moving the front hand forward. Remember that only the dominant hand should move backward, while the non-dominant hand must remain stationary to show exactly where the queue begins. Another frequent error is using a sloppy handshape; keep your fingers glued together and your palms flat so the sign looks crisp and intentional.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Queue" in a Sentence
1

The queue for the movie is very long.

Sign 'movie', then sign 'queue'. You can pull your dominant hand further back than usual and use a facial expression with widened eyes to emphasize the extreme length of the line.

2

Please wait in the queue.

Sign 'please', 'wait', and then 'queue'. When signing 'queue', you can direct your hands slightly toward the actual physical location where the line is forming to give clear spatial directions.

3

Are you in the queue?

Point to the person, sign 'queue', and raise your eyebrows while leaning slightly forward. This non-manual marker indicates that you are asking a yes/no question about their place in line.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign the same for a line drawn on paper?

No, this sign specifically refers to a queue or a line of people or things waiting. For a drawn line, like on a piece of paper, you would use your pinky or index finger to trace a line in the air.

Does it matter how far back I pull my hand?

Yes! You can adjust the distance you pull your dominant hand back to show how long the queue is. A short pull means a short line, while a long, extended pull means a very long queue.

Can I move my hand forward instead of backward?

It is best to move your dominant hand backward toward your body. Moving it forward might look like the line is advancing, but pulling backward clearly establishes the concept of a line forming behind the first person.

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