Expensive in Sign Language (ASL)

The sign for Expensive conveys the concept of something that costs a lot of money. This sign is frequently used in everyday conversations when discussing prices or the value of items, making it an essential part of financial discussions in American Sign Language (ASL).

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Forming the sign

1. Handshape: Start with the dominant hand in the “flat B” handshape, where the fingers are extended and together, and the thumb is extended outward.
2. Location: Place your dominant hand in front of your chest, typically around the level of the upper stomach or lower chest.
3. Movement: Move your hand slightly away from your body, then flick your fingertips upward as if indicating a rising price or value.
4. Non-manual signals: Raise your eyebrows as you sign. This expression adds emphasis to the concept of high cost, indicating surprise or emphasis on expense.

The sign for Expensive effectively uses both handshape and movement to convey its meaning. The upward flick of the fingers symbolizes an increase, which aligns with how we perceive higher costs. The non-manual signal of raising the eyebrows serves to enhance the expression, making it clear that the item being discussed is indeed costly.

Using “Expensive” in sentences

Incorporating Expensive into sentences can help clarify the context. For example:
– “That car is expensive.”
– “I can’t afford that dress; it’s too expensive.”
– “My new phone was really expensive, but it’s worth it.”
In these examples, the sign is used effectively to communicate financial opinions or feelings about the cost of various items.

Signs related to “Expensive”

There are several signs that relate to the concept of expense and value:
– Cheap: The opposite of expensive, used to indicate low cost.
– Price: Refers to the monetary value of items.
– Afford: Indicates the ability to pay for something.
– Worth: Used to discuss the value of something, similar to expensive but broader.
– Buy: Refers to the action of purchasing something, usually tied to its cost.

Common confusion with a similar sign

Some learners often confuse Expensive with the sign for Costly. While both convey a sense of high expense, Expensive is more focused on the price itself, while Costly can imply that something is not only expensive but may also have negative implications, such as being overly burdensome. Understanding the subtle differences in context can enhance communication and prevent misunderstandings.

FAQ

What is the handshape for Expensive?

The handshape is a “flat B”, where fingers are extended and together, and the thumb is extended outward.

How do I emphasize the meaning of Expensive?

You can emphasize the sign by raising your eyebrows while signing, which highlights surprise or the significance of the cost.

Can Expensive be used for services as well as objects?

Yes, Expensive can refer to both tangible items and services, like a restaurant meal or professional service.

What is a common mistake when signing Expensive?

A common mistake is to neglect the upward flick of the fingers, which is crucial for conveying the intended meaning of high cost.

Are there regional variations for the sign Expensive?

While the basic sign remains consistent across many areas, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expressions that accompany the sign.