ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in American Sign Language (ASL), first sign "HAPPY" with both hands in flat handshapes brushing upward on chest, then sign "BIRTHDAY" by touching your middle finger to your chin, then to your chest.
📖 Word definition
A celebratory greeting expressing joy and good wishes for someone on the anniversary of their birth.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: For "HAPPY": flat hands with fingers together. For "BIRTHDAY": middle finger extended from fist.
- Starting Position: "HAPPY": hands on chest. "BIRTHDAY": dominant hand near chin.
- Movement: "HAPPY": brush upward twice on chest. "BIRTHDAY": touch chin, then chest.
- Path: "HAPPY": vertical brushing motion. "BIRTHDAY": chin to chest in downward motion.
- Hand Orientation: "HAPPY": palms toward body. "BIRTHDAY": middle finger pointing toward face, then chest.
- Facial Expression: Bright, joyful expression with genuine smile throughout both signs.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong finger for birthday: Use middle finger, not index finger for "BIRTHDAY".
❌ Skipping the chin touch: Must touch chin first, then chest for "BIRTHDAY".
❌ Flat expression: Show genuine happiness with facial expression.
❌ Rushing the signs: Take time to clearly articulate both "HAPPY" and "BIRTHDAY".
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"Happy birthday to you!"
How to sign: Sign "happy birthday" (chest brush + chin to chest) → point to person → sign "you" (point directly at person with index finger).
"Today is my happy birthday."
How to sign: Sign "today" (Y hands move down) → sign "my" (flat hand on chest) → sign "happy birthday" (chest brush + chin to chest motion).
"We celebrated her happy birthday."
How to sign: Sign "we" (index finger arc from self to others) → sign "celebrate" (X hands shake up) → sign "her" (point to female) → sign "happy birthday".