How to Sign "Fortune"
To sign 'fortune' (meaning wealth or riches), start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up, acting as a base. With your dominant hand, form an open '5' handshape and hover it slightly above your non-dominant hand. Next, bring your dominant hand down toward the base palm. As it moves downward, pinch your index finger and thumb together to form an 'F' handshape, leaving the other three fingers extended. Let the pinched fingers land gently on your open palm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'fortune' or 'wealth' is highly iconic and grounded in the visual representation of handling money. The non-dominant palm acts as a surface or table, while the dominant hand's movement—starting open and gathering down into an 'F' handshape—mimics the action of grasping a thick stack of bills or a valuable gold coin. The 'F' handshape is frequently used in ASL as a classifier for small, round objects like coins, making it a perfect visual metaphor for accumulating riches.
Signing Tips
For a clear and natural sign, make sure the transition from the open '5' handshape to the 'F' handshape is smooth and deliberate. Your dominant hand should land gently but firmly on your open palm. Keep your non-dominant hand steady and relaxed as the base throughout the entire movement. Ensure your middle, ring, and pinky fingers remain clearly extended when you form the 'F' handshape.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using a flattened 'O' handshape or a closed fist instead of the 'F' handshape when landing on the palm. This can accidentally change the meaning to 'money' or 'buy.' Another common error is bouncing the dominant hand repeatedly on the palm; for this specific variation of 'fortune' or 'wealth,' a single, deliberate placement from an open hand down to the palm is the most accurate way to convey the concept.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fortune" in a Sentence
1She inherited a large fortune.
To express this, sign 'fortune' to indicate the wealth she received, followed by signs for 'large' or 'much' to emphasize the size of the inheritance.
2He made his fortune in real estate.
Use the sign for 'fortune' here to represent the massive accumulation of money and wealth he earned through his business ventures.
3That car must cost a fortune!
When signing this, emphasize the sign 'fortune' by using widened eyes and a shocked facial expression to show that the amount of money is extremely high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fortune' signed the same way as 'money'?
While they are closely related in meaning, the signs are distinct. 'Money' typically uses a flattened 'O' handshape that taps the palm a couple of times. 'Fortune' or 'wealth' uses the 'F' handshape landing on the palm, specifically emphasizing a large accumulation of riches rather than just everyday currency.
Can I use this sign to mean 'good luck' or 'telling the future'?
No, this specific sign refers exclusively to fortune in the financial sense, such as wealth and riches. If you want to talk about 'luck,' you would use the sign that involves flicking the middle finger from the chin. For 'future,' you would use a forward-moving flat hand.
Does it matter which hand is on the bottom?
Yes, hand dominance is important in ASL. Your non-dominant hand should always act as the stationary base with the palm facing up. Your dominant hand (the hand you write with) should perform the active gathering motion and form the 'F' handshape.
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