How to Sign "Tea" in Sign Language

Knowing how to sign the word tea may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a big difference in connecting with Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Whether you're ordering at a signing Starbucks in DC or simply having a chat at a coffee shop, being able to sign "tea" shows that you are open and willing to communicate in their language. Plus, who knows, maybe they'll even teach you some new signs for different types of tea! So why not add this fun and useful skill to your repertoire? After all, who doesn't love a good cup of tea?

Signing "Tea"

  1. Hand Shape: Form your dominant hand into an "F" handshape, with your thumb and index finger touching. Form your non-dominant hand into a fist.
  2. Sign Location: Position your hands in front of your body, slightly below your chest.
  3. Movement: Place your dominant “F” hand into the fist, as if steeping tea.
  4. Facial Expression: Wear a relaxed and content facial expression, as if you're enjoying a moment of tranquility.

Fun Fact

You can also use this sign to express the sentiment of "tea" as gossip or inside information, as in "spill the tea, honey!"

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Learn how to sign:

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When signing it yourself isn't enough

Learning to sign is a great start. For the moments that have to be right (a medical appointment, a parent-teacher meeting, a legal conversation) Ava connects you with a credentialed ASL interpreter over video in the Ava app, on demand or scheduled ahead. Available 24/7, with live captions included.

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