How to Sign "Facility"

To sign *facility*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form an 'F' handshape with your dominant hand by touching the tips of your index finger and thumb together while keeping the other fingers extended. Bring your dominant hand down, tapping the pinky-side of your 'F' handshape onto the back of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Facility" in a Sentence

1

The new sports facility opens tomorrow.

Sign 'NEW', 'SPORTS', 'FACILITY', 'OPEN', and 'TOMORROW', using the 'F' handshape tapping the back of your flat hand for 'facility'.

2

Where is the medical facility?

Sign 'MEDICAL', 'FACILITY', and 'WHERE', making sure to furrow your eyebrows on 'WHERE' to indicate a wh-question.

3

We need to clean the facility.

Sign 'WE', 'NEED', 'CLEAN', and 'FACILITY', ensuring a firm tap on the back of your hand to emphasize the location.

How to Sign "Facility"
To sign *facility*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form an 'F' handshape with your dominant hand by touching the tips of your index finger and thumb together while keeping the other fingers extended. Bring your dominant hand down, tapping the pinky-side of your 'F' handshape onto the back of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized version of the ASL sign for *establish* or *set up*. By using the 'F' handshape with the foundational tapping motion of *establish*, it visually represents a specific place that has been built or set up for a purpose.
Signing Tips
Ensure your non-dominant hand provides a stable, flat base with the palm facing down. The downward motion of your dominant 'F' handshape should be a deliberate, firm tap to clearly convey the idea of an established institution.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using an 'A' handshape instead of an 'F' handshape, which changes the meaning to *establish* or *set up*. Additionally, beginners sometimes mistakenly tap the palm of the non-dominant hand instead of the back.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Facility" in a Sentence
1

The new sports facility opens tomorrow.

Sign 'NEW', 'SPORTS', 'FACILITY', 'OPEN', and 'TOMORROW', using the 'F' handshape tapping the back of your flat hand for 'facility'.

2

Where is the medical facility?

Sign 'MEDICAL', 'FACILITY', and 'WHERE', making sure to furrow your eyebrows on 'WHERE' to indicate a wh-question.

3

We need to clean the facility.

Sign 'WE', 'NEED', 'CLEAN', and 'FACILITY', ensuring a firm tap on the back of your hand to emphasize the location.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the sign for *building* instead of *facility*?

Yes, depending on the context, you can often use the sign for *building* or *place*. However, using this initialized sign is helpful when you need to be specific, such as referring to a medical or sports facility.

Why does this sign look like the sign for *establish*?

It is an initialized sign. It takes the base movement and location of the sign for *establish* but uses the 'F' handshape to specifically translate the English word *facility*.

Which part of the 'F' handshape touches the non-dominant hand?

The pinky-side, or the bottom edge, of your dominant 'F' handshape should tap against the back of your flat non-dominant hand.

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