ASL Lessons | Bookstore | Library | ASL University Main ►


AIR: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "air"
 

AIR:
The sign for "air" depends on the situation. Generally I just spell it.

 

 


 

If you wanted to discuss AIR CONDITIONING / AC:

 

 


 

If you are talking about an air freshener one version is:

 

 


 

If you are referring to particles floating in the air or pollen, one way to show that concept is:

 

 


 

If you mean "air" as in "to be broadcasted or televised" one way to sign that concept can be to sign "SPREAD"

 

 


 

If you mean "air" as in "aircraft as a means of transportation" (to arrive by air) you can sign:

 

 


 

If you mean "air" as in sports (jump or other airborne stunt) you could use a classifier to show the distance between the person and the ground.

 


 

If you mean "air" as in "to expose, bring to public notice" some ways to sign that concept is:

 

To show, disclose, or admit something:

 

 

To make something secret or hidden publicly or generally known:

 

 


 

WIND:
You can use variations of the sign for "wind" to show what air is doing.  When you do this you generally puff out your cheeks and blow out some air.

Notice, I'm not using much facial expression here, but if I wanted to show the wind was blowing really hard I would use more facial expression, puff out my cheeks and look like I was blowing out a birthday cake.



 

 



Notes: 
See: WEATHER

See: OPEN

See: EXPOSE

See: SPORTS

See: TV

 

Discussion:  "AIR" 

In a message dated 4/8/2007 11:20:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time, a mother writes:
Hello!
I use your website almost every day as I am learning ASL and teaching it to my 14 month old hearing daughter. It's been a wonderful and positive experience for us! She signs about 50 signs now. My question: What is the sign for "air." This morning she heard the heating kick in and she signed 'hot' and then blew onto her hand, meaning hot air, I gather. I was a bit blown away and am wondering if she indeed signed 'air' correctly? If so, I'm not sure where she learned it!
Very curiously yours,
--Lisa P 
Oakland, CA

Lisa,
There is no widely established sign for "air."
Usually we just spell it.
Sometimes we sign "WIND."
Often we simply show what the air is doing: filling a balloon, a tire going flat, blowing trees, etc.  We use a lot of puffed-cheek facial expressions and hold our hands up in loose "five" handshapes and flutter them to show how the air is moving.
Thus the "sign" your daughter did is really neat.  She is definitely on her way to being an awesome signer.
Her version of air is going to certainly be considered one of my favorites from here on out.
Cordially,
Dr. Bill Vicars

Also see: "airplane / fly"

 




*  Want to help support ASL University?  It's easy
DONATE  (Thanks!)

Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."


Want even more ASL resources?  Visit the "ASL Training Center!"  (Subscription Extension of ASLU)  

*  Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars
 


You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ 
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars