How to Sign "Race" in ASL: Competition vs. Ethnicity

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign depends on which meaning of "race" you need. For a race in the sense of a contest, such as a running race or a car race, a common sign uses both hands in loose fists with the thumbs up, held near each other and moved alternately forward and back, like two competitors trading the lead. This sign is also widely used for COMPETE. For race in the sense of ethnicity or a group of people, there is no single sign that this guide can confirm as standard. Fingerspelling R-A-C-E is a widely understood fallback.

This guide describes ASL as used in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, are separate languages with their own vocabulary, so these descriptions may not carry over.

Why the meaning matters

English uses one word for two unrelated ideas, but ASL signs concepts rather than English words. Using the competition sign when you mean ethnicity, or the reverse, would confuse the person you are signing with. Decide which meaning you need before you choose a sign.

How to sign "race" as a competition

• 1. Make an "A" handshape with each hand: a closed fist with the thumb resting up along the side of the index finger.
• 2. Hold both hands in front of your chest, a little apart, with the palms facing each other and the thumbs pointing up.
• 3. Move the hands alternately: as one moves forward, the other moves back. Repeat the movement a few times.
• 4. Keep the motion smooth and fairly quick so it suggests two rivals pulling ahead of each other.

Context usually separates RACE from COMPETE. For a specific kind of race, signers often combine this sign with another sign, such as one for running or driving.

How to express "race" as ethnicity

No supplied source confirms a standard ASL sign for race in the ethnic or social sense. Usage can vary by region, community and generation. Two practical options:

• Fingerspell R-A-C-E. This is clear to fluent signers, especially when the topic is already established.
• Ask a Deaf signer or check a reputable video ASL dictionary to see which sign the community you are talking with prefers. Some signers may use a sign tied to related concepts such as culture or ethnicity.

How to check that you are signing it correctly

• Compare yourself with a video. Written descriptions cannot fully capture movement, so watch a video dictionary entry from a trusted ASL source and match its handshape, palm orientation, location and movement.
• Use a mirror or record yourself. Look for thumbs pointing up, palms facing each other, and a clear alternating forward-and-back motion rather than both hands moving together.
• Ask a fluent signer. Feedback from a Deaf signer or a qualified ASL instructor is the most reliable way to confirm that the sign is understood as you intend.

Limitations of this guide

The handshape and movement above are a general description of a commonly taught ASL sign. No video, dictionary entry or expert review was supplied to verify them here, and regional variants exist. Treat this as a starting point, and confirm with a video source or a fluent signer before using it in an important conversation.