PocketSign
Practice

CS for Just or Very Close

CS uses clenched teeth to show just happened, very near, very close, or tense nearness.

All Mouth Morphemes lessons
Close-up of an ASL signer clenching teeth for CS mouth meaning just or very close

Learn It

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

CS often means something is close in time or space. It can mean just now, recently, or almost touching.

The teeth clench lightly. The face may feel tense because the meaning is close or immediate.

Use CS with ideas like NOW, RECENTLY, NEAR, ALMOST, or a close call.

Clenched teethShow light tension in the teeth.
Close meaningUse it for very near in time or space.
Not angerThe tension marks closeness, not automatically emotion.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the mouth shape at the same time as the sign.

  1. Sign with CS to show just a moment ago.
  2. Sign with CS to show very close.
  3. Sign with CS to show a close call.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the mouth shape, not an extra sign.

ASL line. CS mouth
MeaningJust happened.
TipCS tightens the time frame.
Mouth actionCS mouthLightly clench the teeth during RECENTLY.
ASL line . CS mouth
MeaningThe car is very close.
TipThe mouth shape adds close distance.
Mouth actionCS mouthUse the clenched-teeth shape during NEAR.
ASL line . CS mouth
MeaningAlmost hit or had a close call.
TipCS adds the tense near-miss feeling.
Mouth actionCS mouthKeep the teeth tense as the close call is signed.

Common Mistake

Do not bite down hard or make the face look like anger unless the story is actually angry.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

CS can mark closeness in time, closeness in space, or tension around a near result. Context tells the viewer which one you mean.