手势是指人类用语言中枢创建起来的一套用手掌和手指位置、形状的特定语言系统。其中包括通用的，如聋哑人使用的手语。还有在特定情况下的该种系统，如海军陆战队。

A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication or non-vocal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of, or in conjunction with, speech. Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body. Gestures differ from physical non-verbal communication that does not communicate specific messages, such as purely expressive displays, proxemics, or displays of joint attention. Gestures allow individuals to communicate a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection, often together with body language in addition to words when they speak.