How to Sign "Finished"

To sign “Finished”, using your both hands in the air by using “five” handshapes with the palms toward you. Then twisting your wrists and palms would turn one time to toward to the person. It is similar sign for “done”, and “complete”.

Examples Using "Finished" in a Sentence

1

I am finished with my homework.

Sign 'I', then perform the 'finished' sign by starting with your '5' hands facing you and twisting your wrists outward, followed by the sign for 'homework'.

2

Are you done eating?

Sign 'eat', point to the person for 'you', and then use the 'finished' sign. Make sure to raise your eyebrows while signing to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

3

Stop it, I've had enough!

You can use the 'finished' sign to mean 'that is enough' or 'stop'. Perform the wrist-twisting motion sharply and firmly while using a stern facial expression.

How to Sign "Finished"
To sign “Finished”, using your both hands in the air by using “five” handshapes with the palms toward you. Then twisting your wrists and palms would turn one time to toward to the person. It is similar sign for “done”, and “complete”.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and relies on a natural, universally understood gesture. The physical action of flipping your hands outward to reveal empty palms visually represents brushing a task off your hands, letting something go, or showing that there is absolutely nothing left to do.
Signing Tips
For a clear and natural sign, focus on making the wrist twist a single, crisp movement. The transition from your palms facing you to facing outward should be definitive. To sound more fluent, pair this sign with the ASL mouth morpheme 'fish' or 'pah', which visually emphasizes that a task is completely over.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is shaking their hands back and forth multiple times instead of executing a single, clean wrist twist. Another frequent error is starting with the palms already facing outward, which eliminates the necessary twisting motion that gives the sign its meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Finished" in a Sentence
1

I am finished with my homework.

Sign 'I', then perform the 'finished' sign by starting with your '5' hands facing you and twisting your wrists outward, followed by the sign for 'homework'.

2

Are you done eating?

Sign 'eat', point to the person for 'you', and then use the 'finished' sign. Make sure to raise your eyebrows while signing to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

3

Stop it, I've had enough!

You can use the 'finished' sign to mean 'that is enough' or 'stop'. Perform the wrist-twisting motion sharply and firmly while using a stern facial expression.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between the signs for 'finished' and 'done'?

No, the sign is exactly the same. You use this identical two-handed, wrist-twisting motion whether you are translating 'finished', 'done', 'already', or 'complete'.

Can I use this sign to tell someone to stop doing something?

Yes! If you execute the sign with a sharp, firm movement and a serious facial expression, it translates perfectly to 'Cut it out,' 'Stop it,' or 'That is enough.'

Do I need to mouth the English word 'finished' when I sign it?

You do not need to mouth the English word. Instead, fluent ASL signers often use a specific mouth shape that looks like they are saying 'fish' or 'pah' to show finality.

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