Learning a new language can be exciting, and American Sign Language (ASL) is no exception. ASL is a visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States and many other places. Knowing how to sign common words like “French” can help you communicate better and show respect for the language.
In this article, you’ll learn how to say “French” in ASL. We’ll also explore other related signs, appropriate responses, and fun exercises to help you practice. By the end, you’ll feel more confident using ASL in real-life conversations. Let’s get started!
Ways to Say “French” in ASL
Here are different ways to sign “French” in American Sign Language (ASL).
1. Sign: “French” (Standard ASL)
Pronunciation: Open your dominant hand with your thumb touching your fingers, then twist your wrist outward near your mouth.
Meaning: Refers to the French language or anything related to France.
In a Sentence:
- I’m learning French in school.
- Do you speak French?
2. Sign: “France” (Cultural Reference)
Pronunciation: Make an “F” handshape with your dominant hand, then twist it outward from your mouth.
Meaning: Often used to refer to the country France.
In a Sentence:
- We are traveling to France next summer.
- Paris is the capital of France.
3. Sign: “French Class”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “class” (both hands in “C” shape forming a circle).
Meaning: Refers to a French language class.
In a Sentence:
- I have French class on Monday.
- He’s studying for his French class exam.
4. Sign: “French Food”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “food” (tapping fingertips to your mouth).
Meaning: Refers to food from France.
In a Sentence:
- We tried some delicious French food last night.
- French food is my favorite type of cuisine.
5. Sign: “French Culture”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “culture” (a “C” handshape moving in a circle around a stationary index finger).
Meaning: Describes French cultural elements.
In a Sentence:
- They are learning about French culture in history class.
- French culture is known for its art and fashion.
6. Sign: “French Language”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” followed by “language” (both hands making “L” shapes moving outward).
Meaning: Refers specifically to the French language.
In a Sentence:
- She speaks the French language fluently.
- Learning the French language can be fun!
7. Sign: “French Accent”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then mimic speaking with an emphasis on the lips.
Meaning: Describes the way someone speaks with a French accent.
In a Sentence:
- He has a strong French accent.
- Her French accent is very charming.
8. Sign: “French Art”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “art” (drawing motion with a pinky finger).
Meaning: Refers to art from France.
In a Sentence:
- The museum has a collection of French art.
- I love studying French art history.
9. Sign: “French History”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “history” (an “H” hand moving backward).
Meaning: Describes historical events related to France.
In a Sentence:
- We’re learning about French history this week.
- French history is full of interesting events.
10. Sign: “French Literature”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “book” (opening hands like a book).
Meaning: Refers to literature from France.
In a Sentence:
- We’re reading French literature in class.
- French literature includes many famous authors.
11. Sign: “French Music”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “music” (sweeping your dominant hand over the non-dominant arm as if conducting).
Meaning: Refers to music from France or sung in French.
In a Sentence:
- I love listening to French music.
- We danced to French music all night.
12. Sign: “French Teacher”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “teacher” (both hands in a flat “O” shape near the forehead, moving outward, followed by flat palms facing down).
Meaning: Refers to a teacher of the French language.
In a Sentence:
- My French teacher is very kind.
- She became a French teacher after college.
13. Sign: “French Student”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “student” (taking imaginary knowledge from the palm of one hand and placing it into the head).
Meaning: Refers to someone learning French.
In a Sentence:
- He’s a dedicated French student.
- Every French student must take a final exam.
14. Sign: “French Holiday”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “holiday” (bent hands touching the chest alternately).
Meaning: Refers to holidays celebrated in France.
In a Sentence:
- Bastille Day is a famous French holiday.
- We celebrated a French holiday at school.
15. Sign: “French Movie”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “movie” (a hand waving behind a stationary hand).
Meaning: Refers to a movie made in France or in French.
In a Sentence:
- We watched a great French movie last night.
- French movies are often artistic and unique.
16. Sign: “French Cuisine”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “cuisine” (similar to “food,” tapping fingers on the lips).
Meaning: Refers to food and cooking styles from France.
In a Sentence:
- She enjoys learning about French cuisine.
- We tried some delicious French cuisine at the new restaurant.
17. Sign: “French Bread”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “bread” (slicing motion along the back of the non-dominant hand).
Meaning: Refers to traditional French bread like baguettes.
In a Sentence:
- We bought some fresh French bread at the bakery.
- French bread is perfect for sandwiches.
18. Sign: “French Coffee”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “coffee” (fists stacked, moving in a circular grinding motion).
Meaning: Refers to coffee made in the French style.
In a Sentence:
- She loves starting her day with French coffee.
- We enjoyed French coffee at the cafe.
19. Sign: “French Art Show”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “show” (moving the dominant hand outward as if displaying something).
Meaning: Refers to an art exhibition featuring French works.
In a Sentence:
- The museum is hosting a French art show this weekend.
- We attended a French art show downtown.
20. Sign: “French Poetry”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “poetry” (a flowing hand motion from the heart outward).
Meaning: Refers to French poems and literary works.
In a Sentence:
- He recited some beautiful French poetry in class.
- We studied French poetry in literature class.
21. Sign: “French Market”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “market” (hands in flat “O” shapes, moving downward like opening a market stall).
Meaning: Refers to a marketplace selling French goods.
In a Sentence:
- We visited a French market during our trip.
- The local French market has amazing cheeses.
22. Sign: “French Culture Class”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “class” (forming a circle with “C” hands).
Meaning: Describes a class focused on French culture.
In a Sentence:
- We’re taking a French culture class this semester.
- The French culture class includes field trips to museums.
23. Sign: “French Tourist”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “tourist” (hand shaped like holding a camera, miming taking pictures).
Meaning: Describes someone visiting France.
In a Sentence:
- The city was full of French tourists in summer.
- A group of French tourists visited the museum today.
24. Sign: “French Speaker”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “speaker” (motioning from the mouth outward).
Meaning: Refers to someone who speaks French fluently.
In a Sentence:
- She’s a fluent French speaker.
- He works as a French speaker at a travel agency.
25. Sign: “French Celebration”
Pronunciation: Sign “French,” then follow with the sign for “celebration” (waving hands upward in a joyful motion).
Meaning: Describes special events or parties with a French theme.
In a Sentence:
- We organized a French celebration at school.
- The French celebration included music and dancing.
Other Ways to Say “French” in ASL
Here’s a table listing alternative signs related to “French” in ASL.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| French Speaking | Sign “French” + “Speak” | Refers to someone fluent in French | She is French speaking and works as a translator. |
| French Tutor | Sign “French” + “Teach” | A person who teaches French | I hired a French tutor to improve my skills. |
| French Restaurant | Sign “French” + “Eat” | A place serving French food | We dined at a French restaurant downtown. |
| French Tourist Spot | Sign “French” + “Travel” | A popular travel destination | Paris is a famous French tourist spot. |
| French Art Exhibit | Sign “French” + “Art Show” | An art display featuring French works | We attended a French art exhibit at the museum. |
| French Festival | Sign “French” + “Festival” | A celebration of French culture | The city held a French festival this summer. |
| French Book | Sign “French” + “Book” | A book written in French | I borrowed a French book from the library. |
| French Travel Guide | Sign “French” + “Guide” | A guidebook about France | We used a French travel guide on our trip. |
| French Film | Sign “French” + “Movie” | A movie from France | We watched an award-winning French film. |
| French Chef | Sign “French” + “Cook” | A chef specializing in French cuisine | The restaurant’s head chef is a French chef. |
| French Bakery | Sign “French” + “Bake” | A bakery selling French pastries | The local French bakery makes the best croissants. |
| French Designer | Sign “French” + “Design” | A person designing French-inspired items | She’s a famous French designer of clothes. |
| French Language Course | Sign “French” + “Class” | A course teaching French | I enrolled in a French language course. |
| French Adventure | Sign “French” + “Explore” | An adventurous trip to France | We’re planning a French adventure next year. |
| French Cooking Show | Sign “French” + “Cook Show” | A TV show about French cooking | We watched a French cooking show last night. |
Responses to “French” in ASL
Here are additional common responses you can use.
1. Sign: “Yes, I Know French”
Pronunciation: Nod while signing “Yes” + “Know” + “French.”
Meaning: Confirms that you know the French language.
In a Sentence: Do you speak French?
Yes, I know French.
2. Sign: “I’m Learning French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Learn” + “French.”
Meaning: Indicates you are currently studying French.
In a Sentence: Are you fluent?
I’m learning French.
3. Sign: “No, I Don’t Know French”
Pronunciation: Shake head while signing “No” + “Know” + “French.”
Meaning: Denies knowledge of French.
In a Sentence: Do you know French?
No, I don’t know French.
4. Sign: “I Love French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Love” + “French.”
Meaning: Shows affection for the French language or culture.
In a Sentence: What’s your favorite language?
I love French!
5. Sign: “I Understand French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Understand” + “French.”
Meaning: Indicates understanding of the French language.
In a Sentence: Do you need a translator?
I understand French.
6. Sign: “I Study French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Study” + “French.”
Meaning: States that you study French regularly.
In a Sentence: What subject are you studying?
I study French.
7. Sign: “French Is Interesting”
Pronunciation: Sign “French” + “Interesting.”
Meaning: Expresses interest in the French language or culture.
In a Sentence: What do you think about learning new languages?
French is interesting.
8. Sign: “I Want to Learn French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Want” + “Learn” + “French.”
Meaning: Shows the desire to learn French.
In a Sentence: What language would you like to learn?
I want to learn French.
9. Sign: “I Can Speak French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Can” + “Speak” + “French.”
Meaning: Indicates ability to speak French.
In a Sentence: Can you help with the French assignment?
I can speak French.
10. Sign: “I Like French Food”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Like” + “French” + “Food.”
Meaning: Expresses enjoyment of French cuisine.
In a Sentence: What’s your favorite type of food?
I like French food.
11. Sign: “I’ve Been to France”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Visit” + “France.”
Meaning: Indicates having visited France.
In a Sentence: Have you traveled abroad?
I’ve been to France.
12. Sign: “French Is Difficult”
Pronunciation: Sign “French” + “Difficult” (hands twisting as if struggling).
Meaning: Shows that learning French can be challenging.
In a Sentence: How’s your language class?
French is difficult.
13. Sign: “I Know a Little French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Know” + “Little” + “French.”
Meaning: Indicates basic knowledge of French.
In a Sentence: Can you help with this French phrase?
I know a little French.
14. Sign: “I’m Practicing French”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Practice” + “French.”
Meaning: Indicates being engaged in learning French.
In a Sentence: What are you doing this weekend?
I’m practicing French.
15. Sign: “I Want to Visit France”
Pronunciation: Sign “I” + “Want” + “Visit” + “France.”
Meaning: Expresses a desire to visit France.
In a Sentence: What’s your dream destination?
I want to visit France.
Exercise to Practice Saying “French” in ASL
Test your ASL skills with this fun fill-in-the-blank activity. Use the correct signs for “French” to complete real-life sentences.
Fill in the blanks using the correct ASL phrases for “French.”
- I’m learning ______ in school.
- We visited a ______ bakery yesterday.
- She speaks ______ fluently.
- My sister has a ______ language class today.
- They are watching a ______ movie tonight.
- He wants to become a ______ teacher.
- We’re traveling to ______ next summer.
- I’m reading a ______ book for my project.
- We attended a ______ art exhibit downtown.
- Our class is studying ______ history this month.
- He works as a ______ translator for a company.
- We celebrated a ______ festival at the park.
Answers:
- French
- French
- French
- French
- French
- French
- France
- French
- French
- French
- French
- French
Conclusion
Learning how to say “French” in American Sign Language (ASL) opens up new ways to communicate about language, culture, and travel. Whether you’re discussing French food, movies, or classes, knowing the correct signs helps you express yourself clearly.
Keep practicing the signs you’ve learned in this article. The more you use ASL in conversations, the easier and more natural it will feel. Signing about “French” can be fun and useful, especially when meeting new people or learning about different cultures. Happy signing!