How to Sign Papa in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), "papa" is usually signed the same way as DAD. Open your dominant hand with the fingers spread, then tap the tip of your thumb against the middle of your forehead, usually twice. The palm faces to the side, and the fingers point up.

Before you use it, check one point. Some families say "papa" for a father, and others say it for a grandfather. ASL uses different signs for these two relatives. Pick the sign that matches the person you mean.

Signing papa when it means dad

• 1. Use your dominant hand, the one you write with.
• 2. Make an open 5 handshape: all five fingers extended and spread apart.
• 3. Turn the hand so the palm faces sideways, toward your non-dominant side, with the fingers pointing up.
• 4. Touch the tip of your thumb to the center of your forehead.
• 5. Tap twice with a small, relaxed movement. A single touch is also common, especially in the more formal FATHER.

Many ASL signs for male family members are made near the forehead or the upper part of the face. Many signs for female family members are made near the chin. MOM uses the same open hand, but the thumb taps the chin. Watch your thumb placement so DAD does not turn into MOM.

Signing papa when it means grandpa

If "papa" is a grandfather, start the same way: open 5 handshape, thumb on the forehead. Then move the hand forward and away from your face in one or two small arcs. The forward motion adds the idea of a generation further back, which is what makes it GRANDFATHER.

Fingerspelling P-A-P-A

You can also spell the word letter by letter. This is useful when "Papa" is a name or nickname and you want to show the exact word.

• P: Make a K handshape, with the index and middle fingers extended and the thumb touching the middle finger. Then tip the hand so the fingers point down.
• A: Make a closed fist with the thumb resting against the side of the index finger.
• Repeat P and A. Hold your hand to the side of your chin at shoulder height and keep each letter clear.

Deaf families and communities often create a personal name sign for a specific person. If you are signing with a Deaf family, ask whether your papa already has a name sign, and use that one.

How to check that you are signing it correctly

• Thumb placement: the thumb touches the forehead, not the chin (chin means MOM) and not the side of the head.
• Handshape: all five fingers are spread and extended, not curled or held together.
• Palm direction: the palm faces sideways, not toward your face and not toward the other person.
• Movement: a light double tap for DAD, or a forward arc for GRANDPA. Do not mix the two.
• Framing: if you practice in a mirror or record yourself, make sure your whole head and raised hand are in view so you can see where the thumb lands.

Checking yourself in a mirror or a recording helps you catch handshape and placement errors. It does not show whether a fluent signer finds your sign natural or whether it matches local usage. For that, compare your sign with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or ask a Deaf signer.

Limits of this guide

This guide describes common ASL usage in the United States. It is not based on verified sources or recorded examples for this article, so treat it as a starting point. Signs vary by region, generation and family, and some signers use a slightly different movement or number of taps. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, use different signs for father and grandfather. Do not assume the ASL sign carries over to them.