How to Sign "Spanish"

To sign Spanish, form both hands into 'X' handshapes by curling your index fingers. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your chest. Bring your dominant hand from your upper chest or shoulder down to hook its curled index finger onto your non-dominant index finger.

Examples Using "Spanish" in a Sentence

1

I am learning Spanish.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'learn', and finish by hooking your 'X' hands together to sign 'Spanish'.

2

Do you know Spanish?

Raise your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question, sign 'you', 'know', and then 'Spanish'.

3

We are traveling to Spain.

Sign 'we', 'travel', and then use the sign for 'Spanish', which is also the sign used for the country of Spain.

How to Sign "Spanish"
To sign Spanish, form both hands into 'X' handshapes by curling your index fingers. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your chest. Bring your dominant hand from your upper chest or shoulder down to hook its curled index finger onto your non-dominant index finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is used for both the Spanish language and the country of Spain. The motion of bringing the hand from the shoulder to the chest is widely believed to represent a traditional Spanish matador's cape or a woman's lace mantilla being draped and pinned.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand steady while your dominant hand makes the movement. Ensure your index fingers are tightly curled into the 'X' handshape so they hook together neatly at the end of the sign.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use straight index fingers instead of the 'X' handshape. Make sure to curl your fingers. Also, avoid tapping the fingers together multiple times; the sign requires just one deliberate hooking motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Spanish" in a Sentence
1

I am learning Spanish.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'learn', and finish by hooking your 'X' hands together to sign 'Spanish'.

2

Do you know Spanish?

Raise your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question, sign 'you', 'know', and then 'Spanish'.

3

We are traveling to Spain.

Sign 'we', 'travel', and then use the sign for 'Spanish', which is also the sign used for the country of Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean both the language and the country?

Yes, the sign for 'Spanish' is exactly the same as the sign for 'Spain'. You rely on the context of your sentence to make it clear whether you are talking about the language or the place.

Can I tap my fingers together twice?

No, the standard sign for Spanish uses a single, fluid motion that ends with the fingers hooking together once. Tapping them repeatedly can look confusing or resemble other signs.

Which hand should start at the shoulder?

Your dominant hand should be the one that starts near your shoulder and moves downward. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base in front of your chest.

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