Translation guide
How to refer to American Sign Language (ASL) in Japanese, including the standard term, abbreviations, and related expressions.
The learner wants to refer to the sign language used in the United States and parts of Canada.
The standard Japanese term for American Sign Language. Literally 'America sign language'. This is the most common and neutral way to refer to ASL.
彼女はアメリカ手話を勉強しています。
She is studying American Sign Language.
アメリカ手話と日本手話は違います。
American Sign Language and Japanese Sign Language are different.
The English abbreviation 'ASL' is commonly used in Japanese, especially in written contexts or among those familiar with sign language. Pronounced as individual letters.
ASLの通訳者を探しています。
I'm looking for an ASL interpreter.
A slightly more descriptive phrase meaning 'sign language of America'. It is less common than アメリカ手話 but still natural.
アメリカの手話を学びたいです。
I want to learn American sign language.
A more formal or written variant using 米国 (United States). Rarely used in conversation.
米国手話の歴史について研究しています。
I am researching the history of American Sign Language.