Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Woman"

To sign 'woman', splay the fingers of the dominant hand slightly. With the pinkie on the outer part of the hand, bring the hand up so the thumb touches the lower lip. Then, bring the hand down so the thumb touches the chest, on the sternum.

Examples Using "Woman" in a Sentence

1

That woman is my teacher.

Point toward the person to establish their presence, sign 'woman' by bringing your splayed hand from your lower lip down to your chest, and then sign 'teacher'.

2

The woman walked her dog.

Start your sentence by signing 'woman' using the open handshape moving from your lip to your sternum, then follow up with the signs for 'dog' and 'walk'.

3

I saw a beautiful woman.

Sign 'I', 'see', and 'beautiful', finishing the description with the sign for 'woman', making sure your thumb clearly taps your lower lip and then your chest.

How to Sign "Woman"
To sign 'woman', splay the fingers of the dominant hand slightly. With the pinkie on the outer part of the hand, bring the hand up so the thumb touches the lower lip. Then, bring the hand down so the thumb touches the chest, on the sternum.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, gender is typically distinguished by location. Signs located near the mouth, chin, or lower jaw generally refer to females, while signs near the forehead refer to males. The sign for 'woman' combines the female location (the lower lip/chin) with the chest, which historically represents a person's body or the ruffled collars women once wore, evolving into the fluid lip-to-chest motion used today.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers relaxed but clearly splayed in an open handshape. Make sure the movement consists of two distinct touches: first, your thumb lightly taps your lower lip, and then it taps the center of your chest. You do not need to drag your thumb down your neck; simply lift it off your lip and place it on your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is dragging the thumb down the neck and chest instead of making two distinct taps. Another frequent error is closing the fingers together; remember to keep your fingers splayed. Finally, be careful not to start the sign too high on the face, as the forehead area is reserved for male signs.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Woman" in a Sentence
1

That woman is my teacher.

Point toward the person to establish their presence, sign 'woman' by bringing your splayed hand from your lower lip down to your chest, and then sign 'teacher'.

2

The woman walked her dog.

Start your sentence by signing 'woman' using the open handshape moving from your lip to your sternum, then follow up with the signs for 'dog' and 'walk'.

3

I saw a beautiful woman.

Sign 'I', 'see', and 'beautiful', finishing the description with the sign for 'woman', making sure your thumb clearly taps your lower lip and then your chest.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do female signs start at the lower lip or chin?

In ASL, the face is divided into gendered zones. The lower half of the face, specifically the chin and mouth area, is the designated location for female signs like 'mother', 'girl', and 'woman'. The upper half, near the forehead, is used for male signs.

Do I need to tap my chest hard?

No, a gentle tap on the sternum with your thumb is perfect. ASL relies on clear placement rather than force, so a light, deliberate touch on both the lower lip and the chest is all you need to be clearly understood.

Can I use my left hand if I am left-handed?

Yes! You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs. If you are left-handed, simply use your left hand to form the splayed handshape, touching your lower lip and then your chest.

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