How to sign smile in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with your hands next to the side of your chin, with your palms oriented toward each other. Then, move your hands away from each other and slightly up, mimicking the shape of a mouth when smiling.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of smile

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of smile

End of Sign

Final Frame of smile

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for smile
Extend your index finger straight up, resembling the number one. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for smile
Extend your index finger straight up, resembling the number one. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Sign #2 (2 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with your hands next to the side of your chin, with your palms oriented toward each other. Then, move your hands away from each other and slightly up, mimicking the shape of a mouth when smiling.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of smile

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of smile

End of Sign

Final Frame of smile

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for smile
Extend your thumb outwards at a 90-degree angle, bend the other fingers at the knuckles, keeping them at a 90-degree angle to the palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for smile
Extend your thumb outwards at a 90-degree angle, bend the other fingers at the knuckles, keeping them at a 90-degree angle to the palm.

Sign #3 (3 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with your hands next to the side of your chin, with your palms oriented toward each other. Then, move your hands away from each other and slightly up, mimicking the shape of a mouth when smiling.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of smile

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of smile

End of Sign

Final Frame of smile

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for smile
Curve all of your fingers to form the shape of the letter 'C'.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for smile
Curve all of your fingers to form the shape of the letter 'C'.

About the Creator

Paul Kelly, a nationally certified sign language interpreter and the founder of strongasl.com, has dedicated his career to bridging communication gaps through sign language. As a CODA (child of deaf adult), with deep personal and professional roots in the deaf community, Paul brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to his work.

His experiences range from legal to entertainment interpreting, including teaching sign language to celebrities like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. His passion for innovation is evident in the AI-driven features of this dictionary, aiming to make sign language more accessible for all.

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