ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "SURPRISE" in American Sign Language (ASL), use both hands in "1" handshapes positioned at the sides of your eyes, then quickly open them to "5" handshapes while moving slightly outward, representing the sudden opening of eyes in surprise.
📖 Word definition
An unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing; the feeling caused by something happening suddenly or unexpectedly.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Start with both hands in "1" handshape (index finger extended), then quickly open to "5" handshape (all fingers spread).
- Starting Position: Index fingers positioned at the outer corners of both eyes.
- Movement: Quickly snap hands open to "5" handshape while moving slightly outward from face.
- Path: Short, sharp outward movement from eye level.
- Hand Orientation: Palms face outward, fingers pointing up after opening.
- Facial Expression: Wide eyes and open mouth showing genuine surprise.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Slow movement: The opening motion must be quick and sudden.
❌ Wrong starting position: Fingers must start at eye corners, not forehead.
❌ Incomplete handshape: Must fully open to "5" handshape, not partial opening.
❌ Missing facial expression: Surprised face is essential to convey meaning.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"What a surprise!"
How to sign: Sign "what" (shake index finger) → sign "surprise" (1 to 5 hands at eyes) → emphasize with excited facial expression.
"I was surprised by the party."
How to sign: Point to self "I" → sign "was" (W hand moves back) → sign "surprised" → sign "party" (P hands swing side to side).
"The surprise gift made me happy."
How to sign: Sign "surprise" → sign "gift" (X hands move forward) → sign "made" → point to self → sign "happy" (open hands brush up chest).