Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb resting alongside your curled fingers. Place your fist over the center of your chest. Rub your hand in a smooth, circular motion a few times. Remember to include an apologetic or sympathetic facial expression to convey the true meaning of the sign.
To sign this, use the sign for "sorry" followed by the sign for "late." Make sure your facial expression conveys a genuine apology so the person knows you truly regret keeping them waiting.
When expressing sympathy, use a slower, more empathetic circular motion on your chest. Your facial expression should be soft and sorrowful to convey deep sympathy and care for the other person.
If you accidentally bump into someone, use a quick, slightly surprised circular motion on your chest. Combine this with a startled, apologetic facial expression to show it was an accident.
To sign this, use the sign for "sorry" followed by the sign for "late." Make sure your facial expression conveys a genuine apology so the person knows you truly regret keeping them waiting.
When expressing sympathy, use a slower, more empathetic circular motion on your chest. Your facial expression should be soft and sorrowful to convey deep sympathy and care for the other person.
If you accidentally bump into someone, use a quick, slightly surprised circular motion on your chest. Combine this with a startled, apologetic facial expression to show it was an accident.
The location on the chest and the circular motion are exactly the same, but the handshape is different. "Sorry" uses an 'A' handshape (a fist), while "please" uses a flat, open hand with fingers together.
No, you do not need to sign "I" or "am" separately. The single sign for "sorry" inherently means "I am sorry" when you are the one signing it. ASL is an efficient language that drops unnecessary English "to be" verbs.
The direction of the circle does not strictly matter for the meaning to be understood. However, most signers naturally rub in a clockwise direction from their own perspective. Focus more on maintaining the correct 'A' handshape and an apologetic facial expression.
