How to Sign "Advice"

To sign 'advice,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Place your dominant hand on the back of your non-dominant hand, starting with your fingers pinched together. Then, move your dominant hand forward and outward, opening your fingers up as you move. It looks as though you are taking a piece of knowledge and spreading it out to share with someone.

Examples Using "Advice" in a Sentence

1

I need your advice.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need', and then sign 'advice'. Because advice is directional, you can move the dominant hand toward yourself to show the advice is coming to you.

2

My advice is to practice every day.

Sign 'my', then sign 'advice' moving outward from your non-dominant hand toward the person you are talking to, followed by 'practice' and 'every day'.

3

He gave me good advice.

Sign 'he', 'good', and then sign 'advice'. Remember to move the dominant hand toward your own body to indicate that the advice was given to you.

How to Sign "Advice"
To sign 'advice,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Place your dominant hand on the back of your non-dominant hand, starting with your fingers pinched together. Then, move your dominant hand forward and outward, opening your fingers up as you move. It looks as though you are taking a piece of knowledge and spreading it out to share with someone.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The non-dominant hand acts as a foundation, while the dominant hand starts closed and opens up as it moves outward. This represents taking a concentrated thought, idea, or piece of wisdom and spreading it out to share with others.
Signing Tips
The sign for 'advice' is a directional verb! If you are giving advice to someone, move your dominant hand forward toward them. If someone is giving advice to you, start the sign further away and move your dominant hand toward your own body. Keep your non-dominant hand relatively still as a base.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping the dominant hand closed throughout the entire movement. Make sure your fingers open up and spread apart as your hand moves forward, which visually represents the sharing of thoughts. Also, avoid moving both hands; your non-dominant hand should stay still.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Advice" in a Sentence
1

I need your advice.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need', and then sign 'advice'. Because advice is directional, you can move the dominant hand toward yourself to show the advice is coming to you.

2

My advice is to practice every day.

Sign 'my', then sign 'advice' moving outward from your non-dominant hand toward the person you are talking to, followed by 'practice' and 'every day'.

3

He gave me good advice.

Sign 'he', 'good', and then sign 'advice'. Remember to move the dominant hand toward your own body to indicate that the advice was given to you.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'advice' the same as 'counsel' or 'influence'?

Yes! The sign for 'advice' is often used interchangeably with 'counsel' and 'influence.' The context of your sentence and your facial expressions will help clarify which specific English concept you mean.

Does it matter which hand is on top?

Yes, your dominant hand should always be the one on top doing the moving and opening. Your non-dominant hand serves as the stationary base underneath.

How do I sign 'advise me' versus 'I advise you'?

This sign is directional. To sign 'I advise you,' move your dominant hand forward toward the person. To sign 'advise me,' start the sign further away and move your dominant hand inward toward your chest.

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