How to Sign "Behave"

To sign behave, form both hands into flat 'B' handshapes with your fingers together and thumbs tucked alongside. Hold your hands out in front of your chest with your palms facing down and slightly forward. Move both hands side-to-side simultaneously in a smooth, sweeping motion.

Examples Using "Behave" in a Sentence

1

Please behave at the restaurant.

Sign 'please', then use the side-to-side sweeping motion of 'behave', followed by 'restaurant'. Maintain a firm but polite facial expression to show your expectation.

2

The children are behaving well today.

Sign 'children', then 'behave', and finish with 'good' or 'well'. Your sweeping motion for 'behave' can be smooth and relaxed to emphasize their good conduct.

3

You need to behave yourself!

Point to the person to sign 'you', sign 'must/need', and then sign 'behave' with a sharper, more assertive side-to-side movement to convey authority and discipline.

How to Sign "Behave"
To sign behave, form both hands into flat 'B' handshapes with your fingers together and thumbs tucked alongside. Hold your hands out in front of your chest with your palms facing down and slightly forward. Move both hands side-to-side simultaneously in a smooth, sweeping motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'behave' uses the 'B' handshape, making it an initialized sign derived from the first letter of the English word. The steady, side-to-side sweeping motion visually suggests a controlled, balanced, and predictable way of acting. It represents the concept of staying within acceptable boundaries and maintaining an even keel in your actions.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers tightly together to maintain clear flat handshapes throughout the sign. The movement should come from your shoulders and elbows rather than just flicking your wrists. When telling someone to behave as a command, make the side-to-side motion sharper and pair it with a stern, serious facial expression to convey your authority.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is flapping the hands up and down instead of moving them side-to-side. Make sure the movement is strictly horizontal across your body. Another frequent error is spreading the fingers apart; keep them glued together in a flat 'B' shape for clarity. Finally, don't forget your facial expression—signing 'behave' with a big smile might send mixed signals if you are actually giving a reprimand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Behave" in a Sentence
1

Please behave at the restaurant.

Sign 'please', then use the side-to-side sweeping motion of 'behave', followed by 'restaurant'. Maintain a firm but polite facial expression to show your expectation.

2

The children are behaving well today.

Sign 'children', then 'behave', and finish with 'good' or 'well'. Your sweeping motion for 'behave' can be smooth and relaxed to emphasize their good conduct.

3

You need to behave yourself!

Point to the person to sign 'you', sign 'must/need', and then sign 'behave' with a sharper, more assertive side-to-side movement to convey authority and discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign 'behave' with just one hand?

No, 'behave' is a symmetrical two-handed sign. Using both hands is necessary to convey the meaning accurately and maintain the visual balance of the sign.

How do I change the sign to mean 'misbehave'?

To sign 'misbehave', you can sign 'bad' followed by 'behave', or use a specific sign for 'trouble' or 'mischievous' depending on the exact context. Your facial expression should also reflect the negative action.

Does the speed of the sign change its meaning?

Yes! A smooth, gentle side-to-side motion implies general good behavior. A sharp, quick motion, often paired with a stern face, turns the sign into a strict command, like telling a child to 'Behave!'

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