How to Sign "Dot"

Form your dominant hand into a pinched shape by bringing the tips of your index finger and thumb together, keeping your other fingers curled. Hold your hand in front of you and make a quick, small forward motion. The movement should look exactly like you are placing a tiny dot on an invisible canvas in the air.

Examples Using "Dot" in a Sentence

1

Put a dot at the end of the sentence.

Sign 'sentence,' then use the 'dot' sign at the end of your signing space to represent the period.

2

Her dress has polka dots.

To show polka dots, you would make the 'dot' sign multiple times across your signing space, moving your hand to represent the pattern on the clothing.

3

Go to our website, pocketsign dot com.

Fingerspell the website name, use the 'dot' sign to represent the period in the URL, and then fingerspell 'com'.

How to Sign "Dot"
Form your dominant hand into a pinched shape by bringing the tips of your index finger and thumb together, keeping your other fingers curled. Hold your hand in front of you and make a quick, small forward motion. The movement should look exactly like you are placing a tiny dot on an invisible canvas in the air.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visual. The pinched fingers represent holding a tiny point or writing instrument, and the quick forward motion mimics the physical action of placing a dot or a period on a piece of paper or a surface.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement small and precise. The sign is meant to represent a tiny point, so a large, sweeping motion will look unnatural. Think of holding a tiny piece of chalk and tapping it once against a blackboard.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the movement too large or using the whole arm instead of just a quick wrist and hand motion. Another mistake is using a full 'O' handshape instead of just pinching the index finger and thumb together, which makes the sign look less precise.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dot" in a Sentence
1

Put a dot at the end of the sentence.

Sign 'sentence,' then use the 'dot' sign at the end of your signing space to represent the period.

2

Her dress has polka dots.

To show polka dots, you would make the 'dot' sign multiple times across your signing space, moving your hand to represent the pattern on the clothing.

3

Go to our website, pocketsign dot com.

Fingerspell the website name, use the 'dot' sign to represent the period in the URL, and then fingerspell 'com'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a 'period' in a sentence?

Yes! This sign is commonly used to mean 'period' at the end of a sentence. You just place the dot in the air at the end of your signed thought.

How do I sign 'polka dots'?

To sign 'polka dots,' you use this same pinched handshape but repeat the dotting motion several times in different spots across your signing space or over your body to show the pattern.

Is this the same sign as 'point' (like a decimal point)?

Yes, this sign is often used for a decimal point in math or a 'dot' in a website address (like 'dot com'). Just make the quick dotting motion between the numbers or words.

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