How to Sign "Charge"
The amount of money demanded for a service or goods
Examples Using "Charge" in a Sentence
1
How much do you charge for a haircut?
Sign 'haircut', then 'charge', and finally 'how much'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.
2
There is no extra charge.
Sign 'extra', 'charge', and then 'none' or 'zero'. Shake your head slightly while signing to emphasize that there is no additional fee.
3
The delivery charge is five dollars.
Sign 'delivery', 'charge', 'five', and 'dollars'. Keep the firm, single strike of the 'charge' sign clear to establish the concept of the fee before stating the amount.
How to Sign "Charge"
The amount of money demanded for a service or goods
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents the act of placing a demand or a fee onto a bill or a ledger. The flat non-dominant hand acts as the paper or document, while the hooked 'X' hand striking it mimics the action of firmly stamping a cost or writing down a required amount.
Signing Tips
When signing 'charge', make sure the downward motion of your dominant hand is firm and deliberate. This sharp, single movement conveys the finality or demand of a fee. Keep your non-dominant hand steady and flat to act as a clear base.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a flat hand or a straight pointing index finger instead of the curled 'X' handshape for the dominant hand. Another mistake is tapping the palm multiple times; the sign for 'charge' usually involves just a single, firm strike.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Charge" in a Sentence
1How much do you charge for a haircut?
Sign 'haircut', then 'charge', and finally 'how much'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.
2There is no extra charge.
Sign 'extra', 'charge', and then 'none' or 'zero'. Shake your head slightly while signing to emphasize that there is no additional fee.
3The delivery charge is five dollars.
Sign 'delivery', 'charge', 'five', and 'dollars'. Keep the firm, single strike of the 'charge' sign clear to establish the concept of the fee before stating the amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for charging my phone?
No, this sign is specifically for a financial charge, fee, or cost. Charging an electronic device uses a completely different sign, which typically involves plugging your dominant index finger into your non-dominant hand to mimic a plug.
Is this the same sign as 'cost'?
They are very similar and related in meaning, but 'cost' is usually signed by sliding the dominant 'X' hand down the side of the non-dominant hand or index finger, whereas 'charge' firmly strikes the open flat palm.
Does it matter which hand strikes the palm?
Yes, you should always use your dominant hand to perform the active striking motion, while your non-dominant hand serves as the stationary base. This is a standard rule in ASL that helps keep your signing clear and natural.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!