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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Divorce"

To sign 'divorce,' start with both hands in 'D' handshapes (index fingers pointing up, with the other fingers curled to touch the thumb) held together in front of your chest. Your palms should be facing each other with the knuckles touching. Then, pull your hands apart and twist your wrists outward so that your palms end up facing forward.

Examples Using "Divorce" in a Sentence

1

They got a divorce last year.

To sign this, start by pointing to the side to indicate 'THEY.' Next, perform the sign for 'DIVORCE' by pulling your 'D' handshapes apart. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'LAST-YEAR,' moving your dominant fist backward from your shoulder.

2

Are you divorced?

Begin by pointing directly at the person you are talking to for 'YOU.' Then, sign 'DIVORCE.' Point again for 'YOU' at the end of the sentence. Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

3

The divorce was very difficult.

Start with the sign for 'DIVORCE.' Then, sign 'VERY HARD' by striking your dominant bent-V handshape down onto your non-dominant bent-V handshape. Use a strong, serious facial expression to convey the emotional weight and difficulty of the situation.

How to Sign "Divorce"
To sign 'divorce,' start with both hands in 'D' handshapes (index fingers pointing up, with the other fingers curled to touch the thumb) held together in front of your chest. Your palms should be facing each other with the knuckles touching. Then, pull your hands apart and twist your wrists outward so that your palms end up facing forward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'divorce' is a great example of an initialized sign in ASL. It takes the foundational movement of the sign for 'separate' or 'apart' and incorporates the 'D' handshape to represent the first letter of the English word 'divorce.' The visual logic is highly iconic and straightforward: your hands start together, representing a union or marriage, and then firmly break apart and turn away from each other. This physical separation perfectly mirrors the concept of two people ending their relationship and going their separate ways.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'divorce,' focus on the crispness of your 'D' handshapes. Make sure your index fingers are pointing straight up while the other fingers form a clean circle with your thumb. The movement of pulling your hands apart should be distinct and deliberate, clearly showing the concept of separation. It helps to keep your elbows relaxed and let the twisting motion come naturally from your wrists as you pull your hands away from each other. A neutral or slightly serious facial expression is usually appropriate for this context.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using '1' handshapes—where just the index fingers are extended and the rest of the fingers are tucked into a fist—instead of proper 'D' handshapes. Remember that for a 'D,' your thumb should connect with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers. Another frequent error is simply pulling the hands apart without twisting the wrists. The outward twist, so that your palms end up facing forward, is an essential part of the sign's movement and shouldn't be skipped.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Divorce" in a Sentence
1

They got a divorce last year.

To sign this, start by pointing to the side to indicate 'THEY.' Next, perform the sign for 'DIVORCE' by pulling your 'D' handshapes apart. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'LAST-YEAR,' moving your dominant fist backward from your shoulder.

2

Are you divorced?

Begin by pointing directly at the person you are talking to for 'YOU.' Then, sign 'DIVORCE.' Point again for 'YOU' at the end of the sentence. Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

3

The divorce was very difficult.

Start with the sign for 'DIVORCE.' Then, sign 'VERY HARD' by striking your dominant bent-V handshape down onto your non-dominant bent-V handshape. Use a strong, serious facial expression to convey the emotional weight and difficulty of the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'divorce' the same as 'separate'?

While they share the same conceptual movement of pulling apart, they are not exactly the same. The sign for 'separate' typically uses curved hands or flat hands that pull away from each other. 'Divorce' specifically uses the 'D' handshape to initialize the word, making it a distinct sign reserved for marriage.

Can I use this sign for breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend?

No, you should avoid using this sign for general breakups. The 'divorce' sign is specifically reserved for the legal dissolution of a marriage. If you are talking about ending a dating relationship, you would instead use the standard signs for 'break up' or 'separate.'

Do I need to mouth the word while signing?

While the manual sign for 'divorce' is very clear on its own, mouthing the English word can be helpful. In ASL, mouthing can sometimes help clarify your exact meaning, especially for beginners or in contexts where you want to be absolutely precise about the legal term.

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