How to Sign "Been"
To sign “Been”, Two hands into two “One” handshapes or only with the extending index fingers. Using your Left hand is starting to located on shoulder while right hand on your chest. Then move curves down.
Examples Using "Been" in a Sentence
1
I have been tired all day.
Point to yourself for 'I', use the arcing 'BEEN' sign starting from your shoulder and chest, and then sign 'TIRED' and 'ALL-DAY'. The sign for 'been' shows that your tiredness started in the past and continues now.
2
Where have you been?
Point to the person for 'YOU', perform the downward curving motion for 'BEEN' with your '1' handshapes, and finish with 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.
3
It has been raining since this morning.
Sign 'MORNING', then use the 'BEEN' sign to indicate the continuous passage of time up to the present, followed by the sign for 'RAIN'.
How to Sign "Been"
To sign “Been”, Two hands into two “One” handshapes or only with the extending index fingers. Using your Left hand is starting to located on shoulder while right hand on your chest. Then move curves down.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, the space just behind or on your shoulder often represents the past, while the space directly in front of you represents the present. The sign for 'been' (often meaning 'since' or 'up to now') starts near your shoulder and chest and curves forward and down. This arcing motion visually illustrates an event or state starting in the past and continuing right up to the current moment.
Signing Tips
Focus on a smooth, continuous motion. As your hands start at your shoulder and chest, let them glide in a gentle downward arc. Imagine you are drawing a bridge from the past to today. Keep your movements relaxed and ensure only your index fingers are extended.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving the hands in a rigid, straight line rather than a smooth curve. The curve is important because it shows the continuous flow of time. Another mistake is using flat hands instead of isolating just the index fingers in the '1' handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Been" in a Sentence
1I have been tired all day.
Point to yourself for 'I', use the arcing 'BEEN' sign starting from your shoulder and chest, and then sign 'TIRED' and 'ALL-DAY'. The sign for 'been' shows that your tiredness started in the past and continues now.
2Where have you been?
Point to the person for 'YOU', perform the downward curving motion for 'BEEN' with your '1' handshapes, and finish with 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.
3It has been raining since this morning.
Sign 'MORNING', then use the 'BEEN' sign to indicate the continuous passage of time up to the present, followed by the sign for 'RAIN'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'been' signed the same way as 'since'?
Yes! In ASL, the concept of 'been'—meaning from a past point until now—is usually signed the exact same way as 'since' or 'up to now'. It represents the same continuous passage of time.
Do I need to sign 'been' in every sentence like I do in English?
No, ASL grammar is different from English. You often establish the time frame at the beginning of a sentence. You generally only use this specific sign when you want to emphasize that an action has been ongoing from the past up to the present.
Which way should my index fingers point at the beginning?
When you form the '1' handshapes and place them at your shoulder and chest, your index fingers will naturally point up and slightly back toward your body. As you make the downward curve, they will follow the arc of the movement.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!