How to Sign "Wish"
With your hand in a C shape, bring the tips of your fingers and thumb to your chest. Maintaining contact between your fingers and chest, move your hand down the front of your body about 4-6 inches. (Same sign as "hungry")
Examples Using "Wish" in a Sentence
1
I wish I could go to the party.
Sign 'I', then perform the 'wish' sign by sliding the C-shape down your chest. Follow up with 'can', 'go', and 'party'. Be sure to use a slightly wistful or hopeful facial expression to match the mood.
2
Make a wish!
Point to the person you are talking to, sign 'make', and then sign 'wish' by bringing your C-handshape to your chest and moving it downward. A bright, encouraging facial expression works perfectly here.
3
She wishes for a new dog.
Point to the person you are referring to, sign 'wish' with the downward C-shape motion on your chest, and then sign 'new' followed by 'dog'. Context makes it clear you mean 'wish' and not 'hungry'.
How to Sign "Wish"
With your hand in a C shape, bring the tips of your fingers and thumb to your chest. Maintaining contact between your fingers and chest, move your hand down the front of your body about 4-6 inches. (Same sign as "hungry")
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'wish' shares its visual origin with the sign for 'hungry.' The 'C' handshape moving down the chest visually represents a feeling of emptiness, longing, or a deep yearning inside your body. While 'hungry' represents a literal, physical emptiness in the stomach, 'wish' takes that exact same concept of deep internal longing and applies it to a metaphorical desire, dream, or hope.
Signing Tips
To make your sign clear, ensure your hand forms a distinct 'C' shape with only the tips of your fingers and thumb lightly touching your chest. The downward movement should be smooth and deliberate, dropping about 4 to 6 inches. Since this sign is identical to 'hungry,' your facial expression is your best tool. When signing 'wish,' use a hopeful, yearning, or dreamy expression to easily differentiate it from the physical discomfort you might show when signing 'hungry.'
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is forgetting to use the correct facial expression, which can cause confusion since 'wish' and 'hungry' share the exact same handshape and movement. Beginners also sometimes use a flat hand or a tight claw shape instead of a clear, open 'C' shape. Additionally, make sure your hand slides straight down your chest while maintaining contact, rather than pulling outward away from your body or moving side to side.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Wish" in a Sentence
1I wish I could go to the party.
Sign 'I', then perform the 'wish' sign by sliding the C-shape down your chest. Follow up with 'can', 'go', and 'party'. Be sure to use a slightly wistful or hopeful facial expression to match the mood.
2Make a wish!
Point to the person you are talking to, sign 'make', and then sign 'wish' by bringing your C-handshape to your chest and moving it downward. A bright, encouraging facial expression works perfectly here.
3She wishes for a new dog.
Point to the person you are referring to, sign 'wish' with the downward C-shape motion on your chest, and then sign 'new' followed by 'dog'. Context makes it clear you mean 'wish' and not 'hungry'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the sign for 'wish' exactly the same as 'hungry'?
Both signs visually represent a feeling of deep longing inside the body. 'Hungry' is a physical longing for food, while 'wish' is an emotional or mental longing for something to happen. ASL often uses the same sign for related physical and metaphorical concepts.
How do people know if I mean 'wish' or 'hungry' if the sign is the same?
Context and facial expressions are the key! If you are talking about food or a restaurant, people will assume 'hungry.' If you are talking about dreams, hopes, or the future, they will understand 'wish.' Always match your facial expression to the meaning.
Should my whole hand touch my chest or just the fingertips?
Only the tips of your fingers and your thumb should maintain contact with your chest. Your palm should not be flat against your body. Keep your hand in a curved 'C' shape as it slides downward.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!