How to Sign "After"

Start with both hands with a "B" handshape, one palm facing the down and one palm facing to the signer's side just above the hand that has the palm facing down. Proceed to extend forward the hand that has the palm facing sideways, starting closer to the signer's body and moving forward.

Examples Using "After" in a Sentence

1

I will see you after class.

Sign 'class,' then use the 'after' sign by sliding your dominant 'B' hand forward over your stationary non-dominant hand, followed by 'see' and 'you.'

2

After work, I am going home.

Start your sentence with 'work,' then perform the 'after' sign to establish the timeline by moving your dominant hand forward, before signing 'I go home.'

3

Wash your hands after you eat.

Sign 'eat,' then transition into the 'after' sign by moving your dominant hand forward away from your body, finishing with 'wash hands.'

How to Sign "After"
Start with both hands with a "B" handshape, one palm facing the down and one palm facing to the signer's side just above the hand that has the palm facing down. Proceed to extend forward the hand that has the palm facing sideways, starting closer to the signer's body and moving forward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In ASL, the space immediately in front of the signer's body often represents the present, while moving further forward represents the future. By placing one hand as a fixed point in time and moving the other hand forward away from the body, the sign visually depicts moving forward in time from a specific event.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand steady and flat with the palm facing down to act as a clear reference point. Your dominant hand should move in a smooth, straight line forward. Think of your non-dominant hand as the present event, and your dominant hand moving forward represents time passing into the future.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving both hands at the same time. Remember that your non-dominant hand must stay completely still while only the dominant hand moves forward. Additionally, make sure your dominant palm faces sideways, not down, to keep the sign clear and accurate.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "After" in a Sentence
1

I will see you after class.

Sign 'class,' then use the 'after' sign by sliding your dominant 'B' hand forward over your stationary non-dominant hand, followed by 'see' and 'you.'

2

After work, I am going home.

Start your sentence with 'work,' then perform the 'after' sign to establish the timeline by moving your dominant hand forward, before signing 'I go home.'

3

Wash your hands after you eat.

Sign 'eat,' then transition into the 'after' sign by moving your dominant hand forward away from your body, finishing with 'wash hands.'

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand moves?

Yes, your dominant hand should always be the one moving forward. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base with the palm facing down.

Can I use this sign for 'behind' as in a physical location?

No, this specific sign is used for time and chronological order, like 'after school.' For physical placement, like standing behind a building, you would use a different sign involving spatial placement.

Should my hands touch during the movement?

Your dominant hand can lightly brush the back of your non-dominant hand as it moves forward, but it doesn't have to press down hard. A slight grazing motion is perfectly natural.

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