How to Sign "Admit"

Start with your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers together and your palm facing inward. Move your hand outward and slightly upward away from your body. As you move it, flip your wrist so that your palm ends up facing the ceiling.

Examples Using "Admit" in a Sentence

1

I admit I was wrong.

To sign this, point to yourself, sign 'admit' by moving your hand from your chest outward, and then sign 'wrong'. Make sure your facial expression shows sincerity to match the meaning of the sentence.

2

She admitted the truth to me.

When signing this, use 'admit' to show the act of confessing. You can direct the outward motion slightly toward yourself to indicate that the truth was admitted specifically to you, utilizing ASL's directional grammar.

3

Do you admit what you did?

Sign 'admit' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly. These non-manual markers are essential in ASL for turning a statement into a yes/no question, making it clear you are asking for a confession.

How to Sign "Admit"
Start with your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers together and your palm facing inward. Move your hand outward and slightly upward away from your body. As you move it, flip your wrist so that your palm ends up facing the ceiling.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'admit' is a beautiful example of how ASL uses physical space to represent abstract concepts. By starting with your hand on your chest and moving it outward to an open palm, the sign visually represents taking a secret, feeling, or truth that was hidden inside your heart and bringing it out into the open for everyone to see.
Signing Tips
When signing 'admit', focus on the fluid motion of your wrist as you transition from your chest to the open-palm position. The movement should look and feel natural, as if you are taking something from inside yourself and laying it out in the open. Ensure your facial expression matches the context—if you are admitting a mistake, a slightly apologetic or serious expression will help convey the right tone.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget to flip their hand completely, leaving the palm facing sideways or down at the end of the motion. It is crucial to fully rotate your wrist so your palm faces upward, as this open palm symbolizes honesty and bringing the truth to light. Another mistake is rushing the movement; make sure it is a deliberate, clear motion away from the chest.
Regional Variations
While the video shows a one-handed version, 'admit' is very commonly signed with both hands performing the exact same motion simultaneously.
Examples Using "Admit" in a Sentence
1

I admit I was wrong.

To sign this, point to yourself, sign 'admit' by moving your hand from your chest outward, and then sign 'wrong'. Make sure your facial expression shows sincerity to match the meaning of the sentence.

2

She admitted the truth to me.

When signing this, use 'admit' to show the act of confessing. You can direct the outward motion slightly toward yourself to indicate that the truth was admitted specifically to you, utilizing ASL's directional grammar.

3

Do you admit what you did?

Sign 'admit' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly. These non-manual markers are essential in ASL for turning a statement into a yes/no question, making it clear you are asking for a confession.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'admit' the same as 'confess'?

Yes, in ASL, the sign for 'admit' is exactly the same as the sign for 'confess'. Both English words share the core concept of revealing a hidden truth or taking ownership of an action, which this sign perfectly captures.

Can I use two hands for this sign?

Absolutely! While the video demonstrates a one-handed version, it is incredibly common to use both hands symmetrically. You would simply place both flat hands on your chest and move them outward together, flipping both palms up.

Can I use this sign for 'admit one' on a ticket?

No, this sign specifically means to confess or acknowledge a truth. If you are talking about admitting someone into a building or an event, you would use the sign for 'enter' or 'accept' instead, depending on the exact context.

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