Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Agreement"

To sign 'agreement,' start by touching the side of your forehead with the index finger of your dominant hand, similar to the sign for 'think.' Then, bring your dominant hand down to meet your non-dominant hand in front of your chest. Both hands should have their index fingers extended and pointing forward, parallel to each other with palms facing down, just like the sign for 'same.'

Examples Using "Agreement" in a Sentence

1

We finally reached an agreement.

To sign this, you would start by signing 'WE' and 'FINALLY.' Then, perform the sign for 'AGREEMENT' by touching your forehead and bringing your parallel index fingers together. This clearly shows that after some time, everyone has come to share the exact same thought or perspective.

2

I am in agreement with your plan.

Begin by pointing to yourself to indicate 'I,' then use the sign for 'AGREEMENT' to show your shared mindset. Follow this up by signing 'YOUR' and 'PLAN.' This sequence effectively communicates to the other person that your thoughts align perfectly with the ideas they have proposed.

3

They signed the agreement yesterday.

Start by establishing the timeline with the sign for 'YESTERDAY,' then point to indicate 'THEY.' Next, use the sign for 'AGREEMENT' to show the shared understanding, and optionally add the sign for 'SIGNATURE' or 'PAPER' if you want to emphasize that it was a formal, written contract.

How to Sign "Agreement"
To sign 'agreement,' start by touching the side of your forehead with the index finger of your dominant hand, similar to the sign for 'think.' Then, bring your dominant hand down to meet your non-dominant hand in front of your chest. Both hands should have their index fingers extended and pointing forward, parallel to each other with palms facing down, just like the sign for 'same.'
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a beautiful and highly intuitive example of a compound sign in American Sign Language. It elegantly combines the sign for 'THINK'—indicated by pointing to the forehead where the brain is—and the sign for 'SAME'—shown by aligning two parallel index fingers. Visually and conceptually, it literally translates to having the 'same thought.' It perfectly captures the idea of two or more people aligning their minds and coming to a shared understanding.
Signing Tips
Focus on a smooth, fluid transition between the two parts of the sign. The movement from touching your forehead to bringing both index fingers parallel in front of you should feel like one continuous motion rather than two completely separate signs. Make sure your non-dominant hand is ready in front of your chest so your dominant hand can smoothly meet it. Keep your facial expression positive and affirming to match the cooperative meaning of the word.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake for beginners is not making the index fingers perfectly parallel at the end of the sign. Ensure both index fingers are pointing straight forward side-by-side, rather than crossing them or pointing them at an awkward angle. Another frequent error is forgetting the first part of the sign entirely; remember that you must start at the forehead to show the 'thinking' aspect before moving to the 'same' aspect, otherwise the meaning is lost.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Agreement" in a Sentence
1

We finally reached an agreement.

To sign this, you would start by signing 'WE' and 'FINALLY.' Then, perform the sign for 'AGREEMENT' by touching your forehead and bringing your parallel index fingers together. This clearly shows that after some time, everyone has come to share the exact same thought or perspective.

2

I am in agreement with your plan.

Begin by pointing to yourself to indicate 'I,' then use the sign for 'AGREEMENT' to show your shared mindset. Follow this up by signing 'YOUR' and 'PLAN.' This sequence effectively communicates to the other person that your thoughts align perfectly with the ideas they have proposed.

3

They signed the agreement yesterday.

Start by establishing the timeline with the sign for 'YESTERDAY,' then point to indicate 'THEY.' Next, use the sign for 'AGREEMENT' to show the shared understanding, and optionally add the sign for 'SIGNATURE' or 'PAPER' if you want to emphasize that it was a formal, written contract.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'agreement' the same as 'agree'?

Yes, the sign for 'agreement' is exactly the same as the sign for 'agree.' In American Sign Language, many nouns and verbs share the same sign. The context of your sentence, along with your mouth movements and facial expressions, will make it entirely clear to the viewer whether you are using the word as an action or as a noun.

Do I have to use both hands?

Yes, you definitely need both hands for the second half of the sign. While the first part ('think') only uses your dominant hand at your forehead, the second part ('same') requires both hands to come together. The two parallel index fingers visually represent two different parties or ideas aligning perfectly in agreement.

Can I use this sign for a legal contract?

While this sign beautifully conveys the general concept of agreeing or sharing the same mindset, it might not be the best fit for a formal document. If you are specifically talking about a physical, written legal document, you will want to use the specific ASL signs for 'CONTRACT' or 'PAPER' to be much more precise.

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