How to Sign "Done"
the sign 'done' uses both hands. Relax both hands so the fingers are splayed. Bring the hands up to chest height, and rotate the wrists of both hands to shake them in opposite directions at the same time.
Examples Using "Done" in a Sentence
1
I am done with my homework.
Sign 'homework' first, then use the 'done' sign by bringing your relaxed, splayed hands to chest height and rotating your wrists to show you have finished the task.
2
Are you done eating?
Point to the person, sign 'eat', and then perform the 'done' sign. Make sure to raise your eyebrows while signing 'done' because this is a yes/no question.
3
The movie is done.
Sign 'movie', then use the 'done' sign with both hands at chest level, shaking your wrists outward to indicate that the film has completely ended.
How to Sign "Done"
the sign 'done' uses both hands. Relax both hands so the fingers are splayed. Bring the hands up to chest height, and rotate the wrists of both hands to shake them in opposite directions at the same time.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'done' (often glossed as FINISH in ASL) is highly iconic. The outward rotating and shaking motion of the hands visually represents brushing your hands clean of a task or tossing something aside. It physically conveys the idea of completion and having nothing left to do.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'done' look natural, keep your hands and fingers relaxed rather than stiff. The movement should come entirely from the wrists, not your elbows or shoulders. Think of it like you are lightly shaking water off your hands. A crisp wrist rotation helps emphasize that an action is completely finished.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping the fingers too tightly closed or stiff; remember to keep them splayed and relaxed. Beginners also sometimes use their whole arms to shake their hands, but the movement should be isolated to a quick rotation of the wrists at chest height.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Done" in a Sentence
1I am done with my homework.
Sign 'homework' first, then use the 'done' sign by bringing your relaxed, splayed hands to chest height and rotating your wrists to show you have finished the task.
2Are you done eating?
Point to the person, sign 'eat', and then perform the 'done' sign. Make sure to raise your eyebrows while signing 'done' because this is a yes/no question.
3The movie is done.
Sign 'movie', then use the 'done' sign with both hands at chest level, shaking your wrists outward to indicate that the film has completely ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign as 'finish'?
Yes! In ASL, the sign for 'done' is the same as 'finish'. It is used to show that a task is completed, an event has ended, or even to tell someone to stop doing something.
How hard should I shake my hands?
The shake should be a quick, natural rotation of the wrists. A crisp, brief shake is usually enough. If you are frustrated or emphasizing that you are completely done, you might make the movement sharper and faster.
Should my palms face a specific way at the end?
As you rotate your wrists in opposite directions, your palms will naturally end up facing outward or slightly downward. The main focus is on the outward rotating motion of your splayed fingers to visually show completion.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!