How to Sign "All Done"
Take both your hands in the 5 handshape right in front of your chest. You will shake them both out at the same time and then wipe your hands a few times.
Examples Using "All Done" in a Sentence
1
Are you all done eating?
Point to the person, sign 'eat', then use the 5 handshapes to shake out and wipe your hands to ask if they are finished. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.
2
I am all done with my homework.
Point to yourself, sign 'homework', and then perform the 'all done' sign by shaking out your 5 handshapes and wiping them to clearly show that the assignment is completely finished.
3
The movie is all done.
Sign 'movie', then clearly execute the 'all done' sign right in front of your chest by shaking and wiping your hands to indicate to your friends that the film has ended.
How to Sign "All Done"
Take both your hands in the 5 handshape right in front of your chest. You will shake them both out at the same time and then wipe your hands a few times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and relies on a universally understood natural gesture. Shaking out the 5 handshapes and subsequently wiping your hands mimics the physical action of brushing dirt, dust, or debris off your palms after finishing a difficult or messy job. It visually communicates the concept of 'my hands are clean of this task' or 'there is absolutely nothing left to do,' making it very intuitive for beginners.
Signing Tips
Focus on a crisp, decisive movement. When you shake your 5 handshapes out in front of your chest, make it look intentional, as if you are tossing something away. The follow-up wiping motion should be light and brisk, resembling brushing dust off your palms to show you are completely finished. Keeping your facial expression aligned with the context—like a satisfied nod—will make the sign feel much more natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the shaking or wiping motions too slow, limp, or lethargic. If the movement lacks crispness, it might look like you are just waving your hands aimlessly or trying to dry them off. Ensure your 5 handshapes are firm, your fingers are spread wide, and the wiping motion is distinct. Another mistake is doing the sign too high up; keep it right in front of your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "All Done" in a Sentence
1Are you all done eating?
Point to the person, sign 'eat', then use the 5 handshapes to shake out and wipe your hands to ask if they are finished. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.
2I am all done with my homework.
Point to yourself, sign 'homework', and then perform the 'all done' sign by shaking out your 5 handshapes and wiping them to clearly show that the assignment is completely finished.
3The movie is all done.
Sign 'movie', then clearly execute the 'all done' sign right in front of your chest by shaking and wiping your hands to indicate to your friends that the film has ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say I am full after a meal?
Yes! While there is a specific sign for being physically 'full,' using 'all done' by shaking and wiping your hands is a very common and natural way to tell someone you have finished eating and do not want any more food.
Is this the same sign as 'finished'?
Yes, 'all done' and 'finished' are often used interchangeably in ASL. The motion of shaking out your 5 handshapes and wiping your hands perfectly conveys the concept of completing a task, ending an event, or being finished with an activity.
Do I need to mouth the words 'all done' while signing?
You do not need to mouth the English words. Instead, ASL uses mouth morphemes. For 'all done,' many signers part their lips slightly or gently blow out a little air (like saying 'phew') to emphasize that the action is completely finished.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!