How to Sign "Closedoor"

Start with both hands in flat "B" handshapes in front of you, palms facing forward and fingers pointing up. Keep your non-dominant hand still to represent the door frame. Start with your dominant hand angled outward, then swing it inward until the sides of your index fingers touch, mimicking a door swinging shut.

Examples Using "Closedoor" in a Sentence

1

Please close the door.

Sign 'PLEASE' by rubbing an open, flat hand in a circle on your chest, followed by the sign for 'CLOSE-DOOR'.

2

I closed the door behind me.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', then use the 'CLOSE-DOOR' sign. You can add a slight nod to confirm the action is completed.

3

Is the door closed?

Sign 'CLOSE-DOOR' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward. These facial expressions indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Closedoor"
Start with both hands in flat "B" handshapes in front of you, palms facing forward and fingers pointing up. Keep your non-dominant hand still to represent the door frame. Start with your dominant hand angled outward, then swing it inward until the sides of your index fingers touch, mimicking a door swinging shut.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the physical object and action it describes. Your flat hands represent the solid panels of a door. The stationary non-dominant hand acts as the door frame or the fixed wall, while the dominant hand mimics the swinging motion of a door on its hinges as it shuts.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your non-dominant hand completely still, as it acts as the stable door frame. Only the dominant hand should move, swinging on an imaginary hinge. You can adjust the speed or force of the swing to show how the door is closed—a slow swing for a gentle close, or a fast, sharp movement for a slammed door.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving both hands at the same time instead of keeping the non-dominant hand stationary. Moving both hands looks like double doors closing, which changes the meaning. Additionally, make sure your palms face forward at the end of the sign, rather than facing each other, to properly represent the flat surface of the closed door.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Closedoor" in a Sentence
1

Please close the door.

Sign 'PLEASE' by rubbing an open, flat hand in a circle on your chest, followed by the sign for 'CLOSE-DOOR'.

2

I closed the door behind me.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', then use the 'CLOSE-DOOR' sign. You can add a slight nod to confirm the action is completed.

3

Is the door closed?

Sign 'CLOSE-DOOR' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward. These facial expressions indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign 'open door' instead of 'close door'?

To sign 'open door,' you start with both flat hands side-by-side in the closed position, and then swing your dominant hand outward toward your body, mimicking a door opening.

Can I use this sign for closing a drawer or a book?

No, this specific sign is only used for things on hinges like a room door, a fridge, or a cupboard. To close a book or a drawer, you would use different signs that mimic those specific physical actions.

What if I am talking about double doors closing?

If you are talking about double doors closing, you can modify the sign by starting with both hands angled outward and swinging both of them inward simultaneously until they meet in the middle.

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