How to Sign "Fair"

Start with both hands in flat shapes, palms facing down. Bring them in front of your chest so your fingertips meet in the middle, forming a straight, level line. Finally, move both hands straight down a few inches simultaneously to complete the sign.

Examples Using "Fair" in a Sentence

1

That's not fair!

To express frustration about an injustice, sign 'not' by flicking your thumb out from under your chin, followed by the sign for 'fair.' Be sure to use a furrowed brow and a frustrated facial expression to clearly show your feelings.

2

We need to make a fair trade.

Sign 'fair' to establish the concept of equality, followed by the sign for 'trade' or 'exchange.' Keep your movements smooth and your expression earnest to show that you are looking for a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement.

3

The teacher is very fair.

When describing someone's character, sign 'teacher' and then 'fair.' You can nod slightly while signing 'fair' to emphasize that the person consistently treats everyone equally and maintains a balanced, just environment in the classroom.

How to Sign "Fair"
Start with both hands in flat shapes, palms facing down. Bring them in front of your chest so your fingertips meet in the middle, forming a straight, level line. Finally, move both hands straight down a few inches simultaneously to complete the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'fair' is highly iconic and visually represents two sides being perfectly level, balanced, and equal. By bringing the flat hands together at the exact same height and moving them down equally, it creates a physical picture of a balanced scale or an even playing field. This visual metaphor perfectly captures the abstract concept of justice, equality, and fairness in a way that is easy to understand.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'fair,' focus on keeping your hands perfectly level when they meet in the middle. The concept of fairness in ASL is heavily tied to the idea of equality, balance, and being on the same level. Make sure both hands move downward at the exact same time and speed to emphasize this balance. A calm, assertive facial expression will also help convey the meaning of justice or equality.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is tilting one hand higher than the other, which accidentally conveys imbalance or inequality rather than fairness. It is also common to see learners bending their fingers or relaxing their hands too much. Make sure to keep your hands flat, straight, and firm to clearly show the 'level' concept. Moving the hands down unevenly will also distort the meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fair" in a Sentence
1

That's not fair!

To express frustration about an injustice, sign 'not' by flicking your thumb out from under your chin, followed by the sign for 'fair.' Be sure to use a furrowed brow and a frustrated facial expression to clearly show your feelings.

2

We need to make a fair trade.

Sign 'fair' to establish the concept of equality, followed by the sign for 'trade' or 'exchange.' Keep your movements smooth and your expression earnest to show that you are looking for a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement.

3

The teacher is very fair.

When describing someone's character, sign 'teacher' and then 'fair.' You can nod slightly while signing 'fair' to emphasize that the person consistently treats everyone equally and maintains a balanced, just environment in the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean 'fair' like a carnival, or 'fair' like equal?

This specific sign means 'fair' in the sense of being just, equal, or balanced. If you are talking about a carnival, county fair, or festival, you would use a completely different sign, often spelling F-A-I-R or using the sign for 'carnival' or 'event.'

Can I use this sign to say the weather is fair?

No, this sign is strictly used for concepts related to equality, justice, or balanced situations. If you want to describe 'fair weather,' you should use ASL signs related to 'nice,' 'good,' 'beautiful,' or 'clear' weather instead to convey the right meaning.

Do my fingertips need to touch in the middle?

Yes, your fingertips should touch or come very close to touching in the center of your chest before you move your hands downward. This physical connection at the same height is what emphasizes the equality and balance of both sides.

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