Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Deny"

To sign 'deny', start with both hands in 'A' handshapes, which means making fists with your thumbs pointing straight up. Position your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Move both hands downward and slightly forward in a firm, deliberate motion. The movement should be crisp to emphasize the act of refusing or rejecting a claim.

Examples Using "Deny" in a Sentence

1

I deny the accusation.

Point to yourself for 'I', then use the firm downward motion of 'deny'. You can follow this by signing 'accuse' or 'blame' while maintaining a serious facial expression.

2

He will deny everything.

Point to the person you are talking about, sign 'will', and then sign 'deny'. Finish by signing 'everything' to complete the thought.

3

Please don't deny it.

Sign 'please', then shake your head while signing 'deny'. The head shake naturally incorporates the 'don't' into the action, making the negative meaning clear.

How to Sign "Deny"
To sign 'deny', start with both hands in 'A' handshapes, which means making fists with your thumbs pointing straight up. Position your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Move both hands downward and slightly forward in a firm, deliberate motion. The movement should be crisp to emphasize the act of refusing or rejecting a claim.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'deny' is highly visual and relies on the concept of physical rejection. The firm, downward motion of the hands mimics the act of pushing a false claim or accusation down and away from yourself. It visually represents 'putting your foot down' or firmly establishing that something is not true.
Signing Tips
When signing 'deny', your facial expression is just as important as your hand movements. Since denying something is usually a serious or defensive action, make sure your face reflects that conviction. Keep your eyebrows slightly furrowed and use a firm, abrupt downward motion with your hands. A soft or slow movement won't convey the strong meaning of the word.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is tucking their thumbs in, creating 'S' handshapes instead of the required 'A' handshapes. Make sure your thumbs are pointing straight up. Additionally, avoid moving your hands outward to the sides; the movement should be directed downward and slightly forward.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Deny" in a Sentence
1

I deny the accusation.

Point to yourself for 'I', then use the firm downward motion of 'deny'. You can follow this by signing 'accuse' or 'blame' while maintaining a serious facial expression.

2

He will deny everything.

Point to the person you are talking about, sign 'will', and then sign 'deny'. Finish by signing 'everything' to complete the thought.

3

Please don't deny it.

Sign 'please', then shake your head while signing 'deny'. The head shake naturally incorporates the 'don't' into the action, making the negative meaning clear.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'deny' the same as 'reject' in ASL?

They share similar meanings but use different signs. 'Reject' is often signed by brushing your fingers off your other palm or pushing a hand outward, whereas 'deny' specifically uses the two 'A' handshapes moving firmly downward.

Should I shake my head when signing 'deny'?

Yes, incorporating a slight head shake is very natural and highly recommended. It emphasizes the negative aspect of the word and clarifies your intention to disagree or refuse.

Can I sign this with just one hand if I'm holding something?

While a fluent signer might understand a one-handed version in context, the standard and most accurate way to sign 'deny' requires both hands. Try to free up both hands for maximum clarity.

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