How to Sign "Gap"
To sign 'gap', start with both hands in 'C' handshapes in front of your chest, with your palms facing each other. Pull your hands apart horizontally to the sides. This motion visually represents outlining a space or gap.
Examples Using "Gap" in a Sentence
1
There is a gap in the fence.
Sign 'fence', then use the 'gap' sign, pulling your hands apart to visually indicate where the opening or space is located.
2
We have a gap in our schedule today.
After signing 'schedule' and 'today', use the 'gap' sign to metaphorically show the empty block of time available.
3
Mind the gap between the train and the platform.
Establish the 'train' and the 'platform', then use the 'gap' sign to emphasize the physical space between them.
How to Sign "Gap"
To sign 'gap', start with both hands in 'C' handshapes in front of your chest, with your palms facing each other. Pull your hands apart horizontally to the sides. This motion visually represents outlining a space or gap.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visual. Your hands act as the boundaries of an object, and pulling them apart literally outlines the empty space or distance that creates the gap.
Signing Tips
You can easily modify this sign to show the exact size of the gap. Pull your hands far apart for a massive gap, or just a few inches apart for a tiny one, pairing it with a squinted facial expression.
Common Mistakes
Using flat hands instead of 'C' handshapes, which can make the sign look like you are describing a box or a room rather than emphasizing the empty space between two points.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gap" in a Sentence
1There is a gap in the fence.
Sign 'fence', then use the 'gap' sign, pulling your hands apart to visually indicate where the opening or space is located.
2We have a gap in our schedule today.
After signing 'schedule' and 'today', use the 'gap' sign to metaphorically show the empty block of time available.
3Mind the gap between the train and the platform.
Establish the 'train' and the 'platform', then use the 'gap' sign to emphasize the physical space between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a gap in time?
Yes! While it physically represents a spatial gap, it is commonly used metaphorically to show a gap in a schedule, a break, or an opening in your day.
How do I show that a gap is very small?
To show a small gap, only pull your 'C' hands apart a tiny bit. You should also use non-manual markers, like squinting your eyes or pursing your lips, to emphasize the smallness.
Is this the same sign as 'space'?
It is very similar and often interchangeable in context. Both signs use the hands to visually demonstrate an empty area, distance, or opening between two points.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!