PocketSign
Practice

Backward Verbs

A few directional verbs feel backwards at first. TAKE and BORROW often move from the source toward the person who receives the thing.

All Directional Verbs lessons
ASL signer showing a backward directional verb moving toward the receiver

Learn It

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

Most directional verbs move from the doer toward the receiver, but a few follow the thing being received.

TAKE and BORROW are the easiest examples to start with.

If I borrow from you, the item comes from you to me, so the movement comes toward me.

Think about where the thing starts and where it ends. That makes the direction easier to remember.

Follow the itemFor BORROW and TAKE, watch where the thing comes from and where it goes.
Toward meBORROW-from-you moves toward your body because the item comes to you.
Keep the spotsBackward verbs still need clear people or place spots.

Try It

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

  1. English:I borrow from you.Decide the source:The item starts with you and comes to me.Now sign:ME BORROW-from-you.
  2. English:She takes from him.Decide the source:Set HIM on the left and HER on the right, then move TAKE from him toward her.Now sign:HIM-left,HER-right,TAKE left-to-right.
  3. English:I give to you, then I borrow from you.Decide the contrast:GIVE moves away from me, but BORROW-from-you comes back toward me.Now sign:ME GIVE-you,ME BORROW-from-you.

Simple Examples

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

ASL lineME BORROW-from-you.
MeaningI borrow from you.
TipThe item comes from you toward me.
Hand movementBORROW-from-youMove BORROW toward yourself because the borrowed thing comes to you.
ASL lineME TAKE-from-right.
MeaningI take it from that person or place.
TipThe movement starts at the source and comes back to the signer.
Hand movementTAKE-from-rightStart at the right-side source and move TAKE toward yourself.
ASL lineME GIVE-you,ME BORROW-from-you. opposite directions
MeaningI give to you, then I borrow from you.
TipThe two verbs move in different directions.
Hand movementopposite directionsGIVE moves toward the receiver. BORROW follows the item back toward the borrower.

Common Mistake

Do not force every directional verb to move from the doer to the receiver. For BORROW and TAKE, follow the thing being received.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

Backward verbs are still directional verbs. They just use a different logic: the path often shows the movement of the object, not the action from the doer.