How to Sign "Full"
the sign 'full' uses both hands. Make the non-dominant hand into a fist, with the hole facing up. Flatten the dominant hand, and bring the dominant hand backwards so it goes across the top of the non-dominant fist.
Examples Using "Full" in a Sentence
1
The cup is full of water.
Sign 'cup', then use the described sign for 'full' by brushing your flat dominant hand backward over your non-dominant fist to show the container is filled to the brim.
2
My schedule is completely full today.
You can use this sign metaphorically for time or capacity. Sign 'today', 'my', 'schedule', and then sign 'full' to indicate your day has no empty space left.
3
The trash can is full.
Sign 'trash' and then perform the 'full' sign, making sure your flat dominant hand slides smoothly right over the top of your non-dominant fist.
How to Sign "Full"
the sign 'full' uses both hands. Make the non-dominant hand into a fist, with the hole facing up. Flatten the dominant hand, and bring the dominant hand backwards so it goes across the top of the non-dominant fist.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The non-dominant fist acts as a physical container, such as a cup or a box. The flat dominant hand represents the top level of whatever is inside. Sliding the flat hand across the fist visually demonstrates that the contents have reached the absolute brim.
Signing Tips
Focus on the visual metaphor of the sign. Your non-dominant fist represents a container, and your flat dominant hand represents the contents reaching the very top. Keep your dominant hand perfectly flat and horizontal, sliding it smoothly toward your body across the top of the fist.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using this specific sign to mean 'full from eating.' In ASL, being full of food uses a completely different sign. Another mistake is moving the dominant hand forward instead of backward; remember to draw the flat hand toward your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Full" in a Sentence
1The cup is full of water.
Sign 'cup', then use the described sign for 'full' by brushing your flat dominant hand backward over your non-dominant fist to show the container is filled to the brim.
2My schedule is completely full today.
You can use this sign metaphorically for time or capacity. Sign 'today', 'my', 'schedule', and then sign 'full' to indicate your day has no empty space left.
3The trash can is full.
Sign 'trash' and then perform the 'full' sign, making sure your flat dominant hand slides smoothly right over the top of your non-dominant fist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say I am full after a big meal?
No, this is a common beginner mix-up! The sign described here is used for containers, spaces, or capacity, like a full cup or a full room. To say you are full of food, you use a different sign where a flat hand is placed just under your chin.
Does it matter which direction my dominant hand moves?
Yes, direction matters in ASL. Your flat dominant hand should move backward, meaning it slides across the top of your non-dominant fist toward your body. Moving it forward or side-to-side can make the sign look like 'enough' or become unclear.
How exactly should my non-dominant hand be positioned?
Your non-dominant hand should form a fist with the 'hole' facing up. This means the side of your hand with your thumb and curled index finger forms the top edge, creating a level surface for your dominant hand to slide across.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!