Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "White"

to sign 'white', relax the hand into a splayed claw shape. press the fingertips of the claw against the sternum of the chest. drag the hand out away from the chest, pressing the fingers closer together the further you pull the hand out. the sign should end with the fingertips all pressed together.

Examples Using "White" in a Sentence

1

I want to buy a white shirt.

Sign 'white' by placing your clawed hand on your chest and pulling it outward until your fingertips touch, then sign 'shirt' and 'buy'.

2

The snow is very white.

First sign 'snow', then emphasize the color by signing 'white', making sure to pull your hand away from your chest into a closed fingertip shape.

3

My dog is black and white.

Point to yourself for 'my', sign 'dog', then sign 'black' followed by 'white', pulling the claw shape from your chest into a closed point.

How to Sign "White"
to sign 'white', relax the hand into a splayed claw shape. press the fingertips of the claw against the sternum of the chest. drag the hand out away from the chest, pressing the fingers closer together the further you pull the hand out. the sign should end with the fingertips all pressed together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'white' is visually motivated by the historical concept of pulling a white ruffled collar or a crisp white shirt front away from the chest. The motion of grabbing the imaginary fabric on the sternum and pulling it outward represents the bright, white clothing traditionally worn near the neck and chest by men and women in the past. This iconic gesture has remained the standard way to indicate the color.
Signing Tips
Focus on the fluid motion. Start with a relaxed, open claw hand right on your sternum. The movement should be a single, smooth pull outward. As your hand moves away from your body, naturally bring all your fingertips together to meet your thumb, ending in a pinched shape. Keep the motion centered on your upper chest, and remember to use your dominant hand for the clearest communication.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is pulling the hand too far away from the body; the motion only needs to be a few inches outward. Another common error is starting with a flat hand instead of a relaxed, splayed claw shape. Finally, make sure you don't leave your fingers open at the end of the movement. You must ensure all your fingertips are completely pressed together as the hand stops moving.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "White" in a Sentence
1

I want to buy a white shirt.

Sign 'white' by placing your clawed hand on your chest and pulling it outward until your fingertips touch, then sign 'shirt' and 'buy'.

2

The snow is very white.

First sign 'snow', then emphasize the color by signing 'white', making sure to pull your hand away from your chest into a closed fingertip shape.

3

My dog is black and white.

Point to yourself for 'my', sign 'dog', then sign 'black' followed by 'white', pulling the claw shape from your chest into a closed point.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'white'?

You should use your dominant hand to sign 'white'. If you are right-handed, place your right clawed hand on your chest and pull it outward. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side.

How far should I pull my hand away from my chest?

You only need to pull your hand out about three to five inches. The movement should be just long enough to smoothly transition your hand from the open splayed claw shape to having all your fingertips pressed together.

Is the sign for 'white' related to the sign for 'like'?

They are similar but distinct! 'White' uses the whole hand in a claw shape pulling out to close all fingertips together. 'Like' uses only the thumb and middle finger, pulling away from the chest to pinch together while the other fingers stay extended.

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