Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Business"

To sign 'business', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, with the palm facing down. Form a 'B' handshape with your dominant hand (fingers extended and together, thumb tucked over the palm). Lightly brush the pinky side of your dominant 'B' hand back and forth across the back of your non-dominant hand or wrist.

Examples Using "Business" in a Sentence

1

I am starting a new business.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', followed by 'start' and 'new'. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'business', using the smooth back-and-forth brushing motion over your base hand to represent your new company.

2

My business is growing fast.

Begin by signing 'my', then sign 'business'. Follow this up with the sign for 'grow' (bringing your hand up through your base hand like a plant sprouting) and 'fast' to show the rapid success of your company.

3

He travels a lot for business.

Sign 'he', then use the sign for 'travel' moving in a few directions to indicate frequent trips. Conclude with the sign for 'business' to establish the professional reason behind all of his traveling.

How to Sign "Business"
To sign 'business', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, with the palm facing down. Form a 'B' handshape with your dominant hand (fingers extended and together, thumb tucked over the palm). Lightly brush the pinky side of your dominant 'B' hand back and forth across the back of your non-dominant hand or wrist.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'business' is an initialized sign, meaning it incorporates the first letter of its English translation—in this case, the letter 'B'. It shares its movement and location with the sign for 'busy'. The back-and-forth brushing motion across the back of the hand visually represents a flurry of continuous activity. By combining this active, ongoing motion with the 'B' handshape, the sign effectively captures the bustling, industrious nature of a commercial enterprise or company.
Signing Tips
To sign 'business' clearly, focus on keeping your non-dominant base hand completely steady and relaxed with the palm facing down. The movement should come entirely from your dominant hand brushing back and forth. Ensure your dominant hand forms a crisp 'B' handshape—fingers extended and pressed together, with your thumb tucked neatly across your palm. Keep the brushing motion smooth and controlled, sweeping across the back of your wrist or hand a couple of times to indicate ongoing activity.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is moving both hands simultaneously instead of keeping the non-dominant base hand perfectly still. This can make the sign look chaotic. Another common error is failing to form a proper 'B' handshape, leaving the fingers loose or spread apart. If your dominant hand is just a flat, open handshape, the sign loses its initialized clarity and might look sloppy. Always ensure the pinky side of your dominant hand is what makes contact with the base hand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Business" in a Sentence
1

I am starting a new business.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', followed by 'start' and 'new'. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'business', using the smooth back-and-forth brushing motion over your base hand to represent your new company.

2

My business is growing fast.

Begin by signing 'my', then sign 'business'. Follow this up with the sign for 'grow' (bringing your hand up through your base hand like a plant sprouting) and 'fast' to show the rapid success of your company.

3

He travels a lot for business.

Sign 'he', then use the sign for 'travel' moving in a few directions to indicate frequent trips. Conclude with the sign for 'business' to establish the professional reason behind all of his traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'business' the same as the sign for 'busy'?

Yes, they are essentially the same sign and share the same handshape and movement. In ASL, context and your facial expressions usually make it clear whether you are describing a company ('business') or a state of having a lot to do ('busy').

Which part of my dominant hand should touch my base hand?

The pinky side (or the lower edge) of your dominant 'B' hand should lightly brush against the back of your non-dominant hand or wrist area. You don't need to press hard; a light, sweeping contact is perfect.

Can I use this sign for the phrase 'mind your own business'?

While this sign literally means 'business' as in a company, ASL has a specific, more directional idiom for 'mind your own business'. That idiom often involves a sharp movement off the nose or toward the other person, rather than this brushing motion.

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