To sign 'debt', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Then, extend the index finger of your dominant hand while keeping your other fingers closed. Tap the tip of your dominant index finger into the center of your non-dominant palm twice.
To express this, you would sign 'student', then 'debt' by tapping your index finger into your open palm, and finish with the sign for 'pay' moving outward.
Sign 'he', then 'debt', and use the sign for 'much' or 'a lot'. Emphasize the burden by using a stressed facial expression and slightly heavier tapping motion.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'debt', and then use the sign for 'finish' or 'none'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.
To express this, you would sign 'student', then 'debt' by tapping your index finger into your open palm, and finish with the sign for 'pay' moving outward.
Sign 'he', then 'debt', and use the sign for 'much' or 'a lot'. Emphasize the burden by using a stressed facial expression and slightly heavier tapping motion.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'debt', and then use the sign for 'finish' or 'none'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.
Yes, the signs for 'debt' and 'owe' use the exact same handshapes, location, and motion. In American Sign Language, context and your sentence structure will naturally clarify whether you are using the word as a noun (a debt) or a verb (to owe).
You should always use your dominant hand to do the pointing and tapping, while your non-dominant hand serves as the flat, stationary base. If you are right-handed, your right index finger will tap your left palm. This keeps your signing consistent.
A light, gentle double tap is perfect for this sign. There is no need to poke your hand forcefully or make a loud slapping sound. The movement should be visually clear and deliberate without causing any physical discomfort to your base hand.
