How to Sign "Get Off"

Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down to represent a surface. Form an upside-down 'V' shape with your dominant hand to represent a person's legs, and place the fingertips on the back of your non-dominant hand. Then, move your dominant hand forward and down, as if the person is jumping or stepping off.

Examples Using "Get Off" in a Sentence

1

We need to get off the bus at the next stop.

Sign 'bus', then use the 'get off' sign to visually show a person leaving the vehicle, followed by 'next stop'.

2

Please get off the table.

Point to the table, then use a sharp, firm movement for the 'get off' sign to convey a clear command.

3

She got off the train.

Sign 'she' and 'train', then use the 'get off' sign, moving your dominant hand away from your body to show her stepping off.

How to Sign "Get Off"
Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down to represent a surface. Form an upside-down 'V' shape with your dominant hand to represent a person's legs, and place the fingertips on the back of your non-dominant hand. Then, move your dominant hand forward and down, as if the person is jumping or stepping off.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and uses ASL classifiers. The non-dominant hand acts as a flat surface, such as a platform or the floor of a vehicle. The dominant hand uses the 'V' handshape to represent a person's legs. The motion creates a literal visual picture of someone jumping or stepping down.
Signing Tips
Think of your dominant hand as a little person. Make sure the movement clearly shows the 'legs' leaving the surface and moving downward or outward. Keep your non-dominant hand completely steady to provide a clear visual reference point.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using this sign for 'getting off work.' This sign is strictly for physically stepping off a surface or vehicle. For finishing a shift at work, you should use the sign for 'finish' or 'leave.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Get Off" in a Sentence
1

We need to get off the bus at the next stop.

Sign 'bus', then use the 'get off' sign to visually show a person leaving the vehicle, followed by 'next stop'.

2

Please get off the table.

Point to the table, then use a sharp, firm movement for the 'get off' sign to convey a clear command.

3

She got off the train.

Sign 'she' and 'train', then use the 'get off' sign, moving your dominant hand away from your body to show her stepping off.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say 'I get off work at 5'?

No, this sign specifically means physically stepping off a surface or exiting a large vehicle like a bus or train. For finishing work, you would use the sign for 'finish' or 'leave'.

Does it matter which hand acts as the surface?

Yes! You should always use your non-dominant hand as the stationary surface and your dominant hand as the 'legs' doing the moving. This follows the standard ASL rule for two-handed signs where only one hand moves.

How do I sign 'get on' instead of 'get off'?

To sign 'get on,' you simply reverse the motion. Start with your dominant 'V' hand off to the side or slightly below, and move it upward so the fingertips land firmly on the back of your non-dominant hand.

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