Learn How to Say “Pee” in Sign Language

Sign language is an incredible form of communication that allows individuals to express themselves visually using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. If you are curious about how to say “pee” in sign language, this guide will help you understand both the formal and informal ways of expressing this concept. It’s important to note that sign language may have some regional variations, but we will focus on more universal signs to ensure broader applicability. Let’s dive in!

Formal Way

When communicating in a more formal setting, you might want to use signs that are widely recognized and understood by sign language users. Here’s how you can express “pee” using formal signs:

1. ASL (American Sign Language): The formal sign for “pee” in ASL involves forming both hands in a “U” shape with your thumbs extended. Place your hands in front of your body at waist level, facing downward, and move them slightly up and down to indicate the action of urine leaving the body. Keep your facial expression neutral while signing.

2. BSL (British Sign Language): In BSL, the formal sign for “pee” involves holding one hand flat, palm down, near your lower abdomen. With your other hand, make a squeezing motion against your flat palm as if mimicking the action of urine being squeezed out. Maintain a neutral facial expression while signing.

Informal Way

Informal signs are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual situations between sign language users. Here are a couple of ways to express “pee” informally:

1. Open Hand: This is a commonly used gesture to indicate the need to use the bathroom. Simply extend your dominant hand with fingers slightly spread and palm facing up, then bob your hand gently up and down. This sign is widely understood even by those who do not know sign language.

2. Potty Dance: Another informal way of expressing the need to “pee” in sign language is by mimicking the universal “potty dance.” Stand with your legs slightly apart and wiggle your hips from side to side while slightly bending your knees. This gesture is often used playfully or with children.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of signing “pee” in different contexts:

Tips:

1. Practice your signs in front of a mirror or with a friend who knows sign language. This will help you perfect your gestures and facial expressions.
2. Remember, facial expressions and body language play an essential role in sign language. Maintain a natural, neutral expression while signing “pee” to communicate effectively.
3. When in doubt, use formal signs to ensure broader understanding among different sign language communities.

Examples:

1. Imagine you are in a formal setting where fluent ASL users communicate. Use the ASL sign for “pee” by forming a “U” shape with your hands, thumbs extended, and moving them up and down slightly in front of your waist.

2. Let’s say you are with a group of friends and want to let them know you need to use the bathroom. Use the informal open hand gesture by extending your dominant hand with fingers slightly spread, palm facing up, and gently bobbing your hand up and down.

3. To communicate with a toddler who is learning sign language, engage in a playful manner and use the informal “potty dance” sign. Stand with your legs apart, wiggle your hips from side to side, and slightly bend your knees while maintaining eye contact.