How to Sign "Here"
the sign 'here' uses both hands. bring both hands in front of you at chest height, with the palms facing up. move one hand clockwise and one hand counterclockwise, moving them at the same time.
Examples Using "Here" in a Sentence
1
I am here.
Point to yourself for 'I', then perform the 'here' sign by bringing both hands to chest height, palms up, and making small circular motions.
2
Put the box here.
Sign 'box', then use the 'here' sign to indicate the specific location where you want the object placed, keeping your palms facing up.
3
Do you live here?
Sign 'you', 'live', and then the 'here' sign with both hands circling. Remember to raise your eyebrows to show you are asking a yes/no question.
How to Sign "Here"
the sign 'here' uses both hands. bring both hands in front of you at chest height, with the palms facing up. move one hand clockwise and one hand counterclockwise, moving them at the same time.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'here' is highly iconic and visually indicates the immediate space right in front of the signer. The open, upward-facing palms gesture to the surrounding area, while the small, continuous circular motions emphasize the specific, current location you are occupying.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands relaxed and your palms flat, facing the ceiling. The circular motion should be relatively small, horizontal, and smooth, as if you are gesturing to a small tray in front of you. Keep the movement contained to your chest area so your signing looks natural and conversational.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is facing the palms downward instead of upward, which can make the sign look like 'floor' or 'calm.' Another frequent error for beginners is making the circular motions too large or moving the arms from the shoulders rather than keeping the movement relaxed at the wrists and elbows.
Regional Variations
While the open-palm circular motion is widely understood, another very common way to sign 'here' is by pointing both index fingers straight down toward the ground, sometimes with a slight double bounce.
Examples Using "Here" in a Sentence
1I am here.
Point to yourself for 'I', then perform the 'here' sign by bringing both hands to chest height, palms up, and making small circular motions.
2Put the box here.
Sign 'box', then use the 'here' sign to indicate the specific location where you want the object placed, keeping your palms facing up.
3Do you live here?
Sign 'you', 'live', and then the 'here' sign with both hands circling. Remember to raise your eyebrows to show you are asking a yes/no question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my hands move in the same direction?
No, your hands should move in opposite directions. One hand moves clockwise while the other moves counterclockwise. They typically circle inward toward each other, then outward.
How big should the circular motions be?
Keep the circles small and relaxed, roughly the size of a small plate. Making the circles too large can make the sign feel exaggerated or overly dramatic.
Is there a difference between this sign and pointing down?
Both are correct! Pointing down with your index fingers often emphasizes an exact, specific spot ('right here'), while the open-palm version taught here can mean a general area, room, or simply being 'present.'
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!