How to Sign "Enter"

To sign 'enter,' start by forming both hands into flat handshapes. Hold your non-dominant hand steady in front of your chest with the palm facing down and fingers pointing across your body. Take your dominant hand, also with the palm facing down, and slide it forward and underneath your non-dominant hand, as if it is going inside or under a structure.

Examples Using "Enter" in a Sentence

1

Please enter the room.

Sign 'please,' then use the sign for 'enter' by smoothly sliding your dominant hand under your non-dominant hand, followed by the sign for 'room.'

2

I entered the competition.

Point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'enter' to visually show yourself joining or going into the event, and then sign 'competition.'

3

Do not enter.

Shake your head and sign 'not' or maintain a firm negative facial expression, then sign 'enter' to clearly convey the restriction or rule.

How to Sign "Enter"
To sign 'enter,' start by forming both hands into flat handshapes. Hold your non-dominant hand steady in front of your chest with the palm facing down and fingers pointing across your body. Take your dominant hand, also with the palm facing down, and slide it forward and underneath your non-dominant hand, as if it is going inside or under a structure.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'enter' is highly iconic and relies on strong visual logic, making it relatively easy for beginners to remember. Your stationary non-dominant hand acts as a visual classifier representing a roof, a doorway, or the physical boundary of a space. Meanwhile, your moving dominant hand represents a person, vehicle, or object physically moving into and under that structure. By sliding one hand under the other, you are creating a clear, miniature visual representation of the act of entering a room or building.
Signing Tips
When signing 'enter,' focus on keeping your non-dominant hand completely steady. It acts as the stationary reference point, representing the doorway or the structure you are going into. Ensure your dominant hand moves smoothly and deliberately underneath it. Both of your palms should be facing down throughout the entire movement. You can let the back of your dominant hand lightly brush against the palm of your non-dominant hand as it passes through, which adds a natural, fluid feel to the sign.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is moving both hands at the same time. Remember that your non-dominant hand must stay completely still while your dominant hand does all the active moving. Another frequent error is turning the palms to face each other; make sure both palms are facing down toward the floor. Finally, be careful not to slide your hand over the top of the non-dominant hand, as this changes the meaning entirely and no longer conveys going inside or underneath.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Enter" in a Sentence
1

Please enter the room.

Sign 'please,' then use the sign for 'enter' by smoothly sliding your dominant hand under your non-dominant hand, followed by the sign for 'room.'

2

I entered the competition.

Point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'enter' to visually show yourself joining or going into the event, and then sign 'competition.'

3

Do not enter.

Shake your head and sign 'not' or maintain a firm negative facial expression, then sign 'enter' to clearly convey the restriction or rule.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'enter' the same as 'into'?

Yes, the sign for 'enter' is often used interchangeably with 'into.' Both concepts use the exact same movement of the dominant hand sliding under the non-dominant hand to show movement inside a space or joining an activity.

Does my dominant hand have to touch my non-dominant hand?

It can brush slightly against the bottom of your non-dominant hand as it slides under, but it does not have to make firm contact. A smooth, sweeping motion is the most important part of executing the sign correctly.

Can I use this sign for entering data into a computer?

No, this sign is specifically for physically entering a space or joining an event. For entering data or typing a password, you would use a sign related to typing or inputting information on a keyboard.

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