Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Achieve"

To sign achieve, start with both hands in '1' handshapes (index fingers extended) near the corners of your mouth, with your palms facing you. Move both hands in an upward and outward arc, twisting your wrists so that your palms end up facing forward and your index fingers point out away from you. The movement should be sharp and decisive, reflecting the accomplishment of a goal.

Examples Using "Achieve" in a Sentence

1

I want to achieve my goals.

When signing this sentence, emphasize the word 'achieve' with a crisp, deliberate motion. This highlights your determination to reach your objectives. Sign 'I', 'want', 'achieve', 'my', 'goals'.

2

She achieved a perfect score.

Sign 'She', 'achieve', 'perfect', 'score'. The sign 'achieve' here acts as the verb indicating her success. A proud or excited facial expression helps convey the magnitude of the accomplishment.

3

We finally achieved it!

Sign 'We', 'finally', 'achieve'. You can emphasize the sign by making the arc motion slightly larger and adding an enthusiastic facial expression to show relief and excitement.

How to Sign "Achieve"
To sign achieve, start with both hands in '1' handshapes (index fingers extended) near the corners of your mouth, with your palms facing you. Move both hands in an upward and outward arc, twisting your wrists so that your palms end up facing forward and your index fingers point out away from you. The movement should be sharp and decisive, reflecting the accomplishment of a goal.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is identical to the ASL sign for succeed or success. The visual logic behind the sign relies on the upward and outward motion of the index fingers, which represents breaking through a barrier or overcoming an obstacle. The sharp, upward trajectory symbolizes reaching a higher level or attaining a difficult goal, perfectly capturing the essence of accomplishment and achievement.
Signing Tips
To sign achieve clearly, focus on making the movement crisp and deliberate. The twisting motion of your wrists is the most important part—ensure you start with your palms facing your face and finish with them facing away. Because achieving a goal is a positive milestone, pair the sign with a confident, satisfied, or happy facial expression. This non-manual signal adds essential emotional context to your signing, showing the true feeling of accomplishment.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is keeping their wrists stiff and forgetting to twist them outward at the end of the sign. Another frequent error is starting the sign too low on the chest; remember to bring your index fingers all the way up near the corners of your mouth before beginning the upward and outward arc. Finally, avoid making the motion too soft or slow, as achieve requires a sharp, decisive movement.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Achieve" in a Sentence
1

I want to achieve my goals.

When signing this sentence, emphasize the word 'achieve' with a crisp, deliberate motion. This highlights your determination to reach your objectives. Sign 'I', 'want', 'achieve', 'my', 'goals'.

2

She achieved a perfect score.

Sign 'She', 'achieve', 'perfect', 'score'. The sign 'achieve' here acts as the verb indicating her success. A proud or excited facial expression helps convey the magnitude of the accomplishment.

3

We finally achieved it!

Sign 'We', 'finally', 'achieve'. You can emphasize the sign by making the arc motion slightly larger and adding an enthusiastic facial expression to show relief and excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'achieve' the same as 'succeed'?

Yes! In ASL, the concepts of achieve, succeed, and success all use this exact same sign. The specific English translation is naturally understood from the context of your conversation and the surrounding signs.

Do I need to use both hands for this sign?

Yes, achieve is a symmetrical two-handed sign. Both of your hands need to mirror each other's movements simultaneously. Using only one hand might confuse the viewer or look like a completely different sign.

Can I sign this slower for a different meaning?

While the standard sign is sharp and decisive, signing it slowly with a strained facial expression can imply that the achievement was incredibly difficult or took a very long time to finally accomplish.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!