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How To Sign COOK
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "COOK" in American Sign Language (ASL), hold your dominant hand in a "O" handshape, palm down, and make small circular stirring motions as if stirring something in a pot or pan.
📖 Word definition
To prepare food for eating by applying heat, combining ingredients, or using other culinary techniques.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "O" handshape (fingers curved into circle with thumb).
  2. Starting Position: Hand held at waist level, palm facing down.
  3. Movement: Small circular stirring motion, clockwise direction.
  4. Path: Maintain consistent height while making circles.
  5. Hand Orientation: Palm remains facing down throughout motion.
  6. Facial Expression: Neutral, focused expression typical of cooking activity.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong handshape: Using flat hand instead of "O" shape.

❌ Incorrect height: Signing too high or too low from waist level.

❌ Large circles: Making stirring motion too big or exaggerated.

❌ Wrong direction: Moving hand back and forth instead of circular motion.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I cook dinner every night."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "COOK" → sign "DINNER" (D hand to mouth) → sign "EVERY" → sign "NIGHT" (N hand moves down in arc).
"She likes to cook pasta."
How to sign: Sign "SHE" (point to side) → sign "LIKE" (thumb up from chest) → sign "COOK" → sign "PASTA" (pinched fingers separate).
"Who will cook for the party?"
How to sign: Sign "WHO" (index finger shakes) → sign "WILL" → sign "COOK" → sign "FOR" → sign "PARTY" (P hands circle).