Learning how to sign color in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Color” is the gateway sign that groups all the specific colors together. Wiggling fingers at the chin mimic the shimmer of many colors at once. Most toddlers manage it between 14 and 18 months.
How to Sign “Color” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Spread all five fingers, palm facing you.
- Hold at the chin: Position the open hand just below your chin.
- Wiggle: Flutter the fingers loosely, like sunlight through a prism.
The wiggle at the chin is the sign — all the colors shimmering at once.
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Art and crayon time: “Which color do you want?” Sign “color” as you ask.
- Clothing choices: “What color shirt?” before showing options.
- In books: Point to colorful illustrations and sign “color” before naming the specific shade.
Tips for Success
- “Color” is often signed before individual color names because it is one concept.
- Keep the fingers loose and wiggly — stiff fingers read as a different sign.
- Once toddlers have “color,” add specific colors one at a time.
Signs Related to “Color”
“Red,” “yellow,” “orange,” “white,” “brown” are the specific color signs that “color” introduces.
Toddlers who sign colors often produce spoken color names earlier than non-signing peers.
Learn more: National Association of the Deaf — ASL resources and advocacy from the National Association of the Deaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start teaching my baby how to sign color in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for color as early as 14–18 months. Babies understand signs before they can produce them, so start modeling it consistently and reward any attempt — even an approximation — with the item or action right away.
How long does it take for a baby to learn to sign color?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for color within two to four weeks of consistent daily modeling. Frequency matters more than perfect form at this stage — sign it every time the word comes up naturally in your routine.
Is the ASL sign for color the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for color. Using real ASL rather than invented gestures means your child’s signs will be understood by Deaf signers and build a foundation for learning more ASL as they grow.