PocketSign
Basic

PERSON Ending for Jobs

Some ASL job signs are built from an action sign plus the PERSON ending, like TEACH plus PERSON for teacher.

All Agent Marker lessons
ASL signer showing the PERSON ending for job signs with clear hands

Before You Start: Two Parts Make the Job

For many job signs, ASL first shows the action, then adds the PERSON ending.

ASL signer showing the TEACH base sign for teacher
1. Base signStart with the action or field, such as TEACH, INTERPRET, LAW, PROGRAM, or FARM.This first part tells what kind of work the person does.
ASL signer showing the PERSON ending for profession signs
2. PERSON endingThen add the PERSON ending with both flat hands moving down.Together, the meaning is "a person who does that work."

Watch First

Use these short PocketSign clips to see the movement before you practice.

Agent affix overviewWatch how the PERSON sign can turn an action into the person who does it.
Transcript

The agent affix, or PERSON sign in ASL, can take actions and turn them into the person doing them.

TEACH plus PERSONSee TEACH plus PERSON become TEACHER.
Transcript

For example, take the word TEACH and add PERSON. It becomes TEACHER.

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

The PERSON ending is a common way to make a job sign in ASL.

It works a little like English "-er," but do not use it on every job word.

Sign the action first, then add the PERSON ending right after it.

Keep the two parts clear and connected: TEACH plus PERSON becomes TEACHER.

Action firstThe first sign shows the work or activity.
Person secondThe PERSON ending shows the person who does that work.
Not every jobSome job signs are already complete and do not need PERSON.

Try It

Practice slowly. Watch how the hand movement changes the meaning.

  1. English:teacherDecide the two parts:Sign TEACH first, then add the PERSON ending.Now sign: + ending.
  2. English:interpreterDecide the two parts:Sign INTERPRET first, then add the PERSON ending.Now sign: + ending.
  3. English:personDecide the ending alone:Practice the PERSON sign by itself so the movement feels clear.Now sign: ending.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the hand movement or lack of extra movement.

ASL line + ending.
Meaningteacher
TipThe job comes from the action TEACH plus the PERSON ending.
Hand movementPERSON endingAdd the downward PERSON ending right after TEACH.
teacherperson
ASL line + ending.
Meaninginterpreter
TipThe PERSON ending turns the action into the person who does it.
Hand movementPERSON endingKeep INTERPRET clear, then finish with PERSON.
interpreterperson
ASL line + ending.
Meaningfarmer
TipThe first sign names the work, and the ending names the worker.
Hand movementPERSON endingUse the PERSON ending to show the person who farms.
farmerperson

Common Mistake

Do not pause too long between the action and PERSON. It should feel like one job sign made from two clear parts.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

Linguists call this an agent marker because it marks the person who does an action. Beginners only need the useful pattern: action sign first, PERSON ending second.