To sign 'afraid,' start with your hands in front of your chest, slightly out to the sides. Quickly move both hands inward toward each other while spreading your fingers wide, with your palms facing your body. Remember to show a fearful expression on your face, as if you have just been startled.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'afraid' with a strong fearful expression, and then sign 'spider'.
Sign 'afraid', then shake your head and use a reassuring facial expression to convey the negative command.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'dark', and then sign 'afraid' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'afraid' with a strong fearful expression, and then sign 'spider'.
Sign 'afraid', then shake your head and use a reassuring facial expression to convey the negative command.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'dark', and then sign 'afraid' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
No, 'afraid' and 'scared' use the exact same sign in ASL. You can adjust the intensity of your hand movement and facial expression to show whether you are just a little afraid or completely terrified.
Yes, 'afraid' is a two-handed sign. Using both hands moving toward the center of your chest is necessary to clearly communicate the word and distinguish it from other signs.
While the sign usually has a quick, sudden movement to mimic being startled, you can sign it slightly slower if you are discussing a lingering, general fear rather than a sudden scare. However, the fearful facial expression remains crucial.
