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How To Sign COUSIN
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "COUSIN" in American Sign Language (ASL), use a "C" handshape near your temple and shake it slightly, representing the family connection at the head level.
📖 Word definition
A child of one's uncle or aunt; a relative descended from a common ancestor but not in a direct line.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "C" handshape (curved fingers and thumb forming C).
  2. Starting Position: Place C handshape near the temple on the side of your head.
  3. Movement: Make small shaking or twisting motion at the temple.
  4. Path: Keep hand stationary at temple while making the shaking movement.
  5. Hand Orientation: C opening faces outward, thumb pointing up.
  6. Facial Expression: Neutral expression, focusing on the family relationship.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong handshape: Use "C" shape, not "O" or flat hand.

❌ Wrong location: Place at temple, not forehead or ear.

❌ Too much movement: Small shake only, not large motions.

❌ Wrong orientation: C opening should face outward, not inward.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"My cousin lives nearby."
How to sign: Sign "my" (flat hand to chest) → sign "cousin" (C at temple with shake) → sign "live" (L hands move up body) → sign "near" (hands close together).
"I have three cousins."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "have" (fingertips to chest) → sign "three" (thumb, index, middle up) → sign "cousin" (C at temple).
"My cousin is getting married."
How to sign: Sign "my" → sign "cousin" → sign "marry" (hands come together and clasp) → add future tense marker if needed.