Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Confirm"

To sign *confirm*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of your chest with the fingers pointing straight up and the palm facing your dominant side. Next, form the same flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping the fingers pointing up and the palm facing your non-dominant hand. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand and firmly strike the palms together exactly once. This single, decisive clapping motion visually represents finalizing a decision, verifying a fact, or making an agreement official.

Examples Using "Confirm" in a Sentence

1

I need to confirm my appointment.

Sign 'I', 'need', 'confirm', and 'appointment'. The firm strike of the hands in 'confirm' emphasizes the finality of setting the schedule. Ensure your non-dominant hand stays still while your dominant hand makes the active strike.

2

Did you confirm the hotel reservation?

Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question while signing 'hotel', 'reservation', 'you', and finishing with 'confirm'. The single palm strike perfectly captures the idea of verifying the booking.

3

Please confirm your email address.

Sign 'please', 'confirm', 'your', and 'email'. Keep the palm strike crisp and intentional to show you are asking for official verification of their contact information.

How to Sign "Confirm"
To sign *confirm*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of your chest with the fingers pointing straight up and the palm facing your dominant side. Next, form the same flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping the fingers pointing up and the palm facing your non-dominant hand. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand and firmly strike the palms together exactly once. This single, decisive clapping motion visually represents finalizing a decision, verifying a fact, or making an agreement official.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign's visual logic relies on the idea of two sides coming together in a final agreement. The firm, decisive strike of the palms acts like a metaphorical stamp of approval, showing that a decision, appointment, or fact has been officially set in stone and verified.
Signing Tips
To execute this sign cleanly, make sure the motion is a single, firm strike rather than a repeated clap. Keep your hands completely vertical and the movement decisive to clearly convey the meaning of 'confirm' or 'make official'. Your non-dominant hand should act as a sturdy, immovable base while your dominant hand does all the active moving.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is clapping the hands together multiple times, which can look like you are applauding. Another error is turning the hands horizontally, which changes the meaning entirely. Ensure you only strike the vertical palms together exactly once for clarity.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Confirm" in a Sentence
1

I need to confirm my appointment.

Sign 'I', 'need', 'confirm', and 'appointment'. The firm strike of the hands in 'confirm' emphasizes the finality of setting the schedule. Ensure your non-dominant hand stays still while your dominant hand makes the active strike.

2

Did you confirm the hotel reservation?

Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question while signing 'hotel', 'reservation', 'you', and finishing with 'confirm'. The single palm strike perfectly captures the idea of verifying the booking.

3

Please confirm your email address.

Sign 'please', 'confirm', 'your', and 'email'. Keep the palm strike crisp and intentional to show you are asking for official verification of their contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign as 'school'?

No, they are quite different. While both signs involve bringing the hands together, 'school' is signed horizontally with the palms facing up and down, and it uses a double clap. 'Confirm' is signed vertically with a single, firm strike to show finality.

Can I use this sign for 'certify' or 'make official'?

Yes, absolutely! This sign is often used interchangeably for concepts like 'certify,' 'verify,' or 'make official.' The firm, decisive strike of the hands implies that something is being finalized, approved, or locked in place.

Does it matter which hand moves?

Yes, it does. Your non-dominant hand should remain completely stationary as the base, while your dominant hand moves to strike it. This follows a standard ASL rule where the dominant hand performs the active movement while the non-dominant hand acts as a support.

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