Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Daylight"

To sign 'daylight,' start by signing DAY: hold your non-dominant arm horizontally across your body to represent the horizon. Rest your dominant elbow on the back of your non-dominant hand with your dominant index finger pointing up, and arc your dominant arm down until it rests on your non-dominant arm. Then, sign LIGHT: bring your dominant hand up above your head with your fingers gathered together, and open them wide into a '5' handshape with your palm facing forward and slightly down, representing light shining from the sky.

Examples Using "Daylight" in a Sentence

1

There is still plenty of daylight left.

Sign 'daylight' by combining the signs for DAY and LIGHT, then sign 'still' and 'have' to show that the sun is still out.

2

I prefer driving in the daylight.

Use the sign for 'daylight' to specify the time of day, followed by 'drive' and 'prefer' to express your preference.

3

This room gets a lot of daylight.

Sign 'room,' then 'daylight,' and use an exaggerated sign for 'much' or 'a lot' to describe the brightness of the space.

How to Sign "Daylight"
To sign 'daylight,' start by signing DAY: hold your non-dominant arm horizontally across your body to represent the horizon. Rest your dominant elbow on the back of your non-dominant hand with your dominant index finger pointing up, and arc your dominant arm down until it rests on your non-dominant arm. Then, sign LIGHT: bring your dominant hand up above your head with your fingers gathered together, and open them wide into a '5' handshape with your palm facing forward and slightly down, representing light shining from the sky.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a compound sign. The first part (DAY) visually represents the sun moving across the sky, while the second part (LIGHT) depicts rays of light shining down from above.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant arm steady in its horizontal position throughout the entire sign. It acts as the horizon for both the DAY and LIGHT portions, helping to visually ground the sign.
Common Mistakes
Dropping your non-dominant arm between the two parts of the sign. Make sure to keep it raised as the horizon line until the entire sign is complete.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Daylight" in a Sentence
1

There is still plenty of daylight left.

Sign 'daylight' by combining the signs for DAY and LIGHT, then sign 'still' and 'have' to show that the sun is still out.

2

I prefer driving in the daylight.

Use the sign for 'daylight' to specify the time of day, followed by 'drive' and 'prefer' to express your preference.

3

This room gets a lot of daylight.

Sign 'room,' then 'daylight,' and use an exaggerated sign for 'much' or 'a lot' to describe the brightness of the space.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'daylight' the same as 'day'?

No. While 'daylight' starts with the sign for 'day,' it adds a second movement to specifically show light shining down. 'Day' alone only includes the arm arcing down to the horizon.

Can I use this sign for 'sunlight'?

Yes! Because the sign visually depicts light radiating down from the sky, it is commonly used to mean both 'daylight' and 'sunlight.'

Do I have to use my non-dominant hand?

Yes, your non-dominant hand is essential. It establishes the horizon line, which gives context to the sun's movement and the light shining down.

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