lengua de señas americana
/lenɡwa de seɲas ameɾikana/from spelling rulesfeminine
American Sign Language is lengua de señas americana in Spanish.
This term refers to the language that uses hands, facial expressions and other bodily behavior to communicate. In professional or academic settings within Spanish-speaking communities, the English acronym ASL is frequently used.
Meaning: language that uses hands, facial expressions, and other bodily behavior to communicate (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lengua (language), de señas (of signs) and americana (American).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because lengua is a feminine noun, the definite article used is la (e.g., la lengua de señas americana).
How do you pronounce it?
/lenɡwa de seɲas ameɾikana/
Did you know?
- The word americana specifically refers to the Americas, but in many Spanish-speaking contexts, it can be ambiguous. To avoid confusion with 'American' meaning 'from the USA', some might prefer de los Estados Unidos.
- The word señas comes from the same root as 'signal', which is why the phrase literally describes a 'language of signals'.
- In some Latin American countries, the term lenguaje de señas is used instead of lengua de señas, though linguists prefer lengua to emphasize its status as a full language.
Examples in context
- Ella estudia la lengua de señas americana.She studies American sign language.
- La lengua de señas americana es muy importante.American sign language is very important.
- Él sabe un poco de lengua de señas americana.He knows a little American sign language.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about a new class.
- DanielLucía, voy a estudiar lengua de señas americana.Lucía, I am going to study American Sign Language.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! ¿Es un curso difícil?That's great! Is it a difficult course?
- DanielNo, pero requiere mucha práctica.No, but it requires a lot of practice.
- LucíaMe gustaría aprender contigo, Daniel.I would like to learn with you, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “american sign language” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
