To sign "eaten," you will combine the signs for "eat" and "finish." First, form a flattened "O" handshape with your dominant hand and tap your fingertips against your lips. Then, bring both open hands in front of you with palms facing your body, and quickly flick your wrists outward so your palms face away from you.
Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'eat' followed by 'finish' to show that your meal is completely finished.
Point to the person, sign 'eat' and 'finish,' and remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward since this is a yes/no question.
Sign 'dog,' then use the 'eat' and 'finish' sequence to explain that the pet's meal is over.
Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'eat' followed by 'finish' to show that your meal is completely finished.
Point to the person, sign 'eat' and 'finish,' and remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward since this is a yes/no question.
Sign 'dog,' then use the 'eat' and 'finish' sequence to explain that the pet's meal is over.
ASL does not use English verb endings like '-en' or '-ed' to show past tense. Instead, ASL uses the sign 'finish' after a verb to clearly indicate that the action is completely done.
While context or time signs (like 'yesterday') can sometimes imply past tense with just the sign 'eat,' adding 'finish' is the most accurate and clear way to translate the specific concept of 'eaten' or 'already ate.'
Instead of mouthing the English word 'eaten,' ASL signers typically mouth 'eat' for the first half, and then make a 'shh' or 'fish' shape with their lips during the 'finish' sign to emphasize completion.
