How to Sign "Gain"

To sign 'gain,' form an 'H' handshape with both hands by extending your index and middle fingers together. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing down. Bring your dominant hand up from slightly below and land it across the fingers of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Gain" in a Sentence

1

I want to gain muscle.

Sign 'I', 'want', then use the sign for 'gain' by bringing your dominant 'H' hand onto your non-dominant 'H' hand, followed by 'muscle'.

2

She gained a lot of experience.

Point to her, sign 'gain', 'a lot', and then 'experience'. The upward motion of 'gain' emphasizes the accumulation of experience.

3

Did you gain weight?

Sign 'you', 'gain', and 'weight', raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question. The sign for 'gain' visually shows the addition of weight.

How to Sign "Gain"
To sign 'gain,' form an 'H' handshape with both hands by extending your index and middle fingers together. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing down. Bring your dominant hand up from slightly below and land it across the fingers of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents the concept of adding something on top of an existing foundation. The dominant hand moving up and resting on the non-dominant hand perfectly illustrates an increase or a gain.
Signing Tips
Keep your index and middle fingers tightly together in the 'H' handshape. Ensure your non-dominant hand stays stationary as a base while your dominant hand makes a clear, deliberate arc to land on top.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a 'V' handshape with the fingers spread apart instead of keeping them together in an 'H' handshape. Another mistake is moving both hands instead of keeping the non-dominant hand still.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gain" in a Sentence
1

I want to gain muscle.

Sign 'I', 'want', then use the sign for 'gain' by bringing your dominant 'H' hand onto your non-dominant 'H' hand, followed by 'muscle'.

2

She gained a lot of experience.

Point to her, sign 'gain', 'a lot', and then 'experience'. The upward motion of 'gain' emphasizes the accumulation of experience.

3

Did you gain weight?

Sign 'you', 'gain', and 'weight', raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question. The sign for 'gain' visually shows the addition of weight.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for gaining weight?

Yes! This sign is frequently used to mean 'gain weight' or 'increase.' The context of your sentence will make it clear what type of gain you are referring to.

Is this the same sign as 'add' or 'increase'?

Yes, this sign is often used interchangeably for 'add,' 'increase,' and 'gain.' The visual concept of adding one thing on top of another applies to all these words.

Does it matter which hand moves?

Yes, your non-dominant hand should act as the stationary base. Your dominant hand is the one that performs the action, moving up and landing on top.

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