Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Impatient"

To sign "impatient," you will combine the signs for "patient" and "none." Start by forming an "A" handshape with your dominant hand. Place the tip of your thumb against your chin and drag it downward a couple of inches to sign "patient." Immediately transition into the sign for "none" by bringing both hands in front of your chest in "O" handshapes. Move your hands outward to the sides while opening your fingers into "5" handshapes. Use a frustrated facial expression to clearly convey the feeling of impatience.

Examples Using "Impatient" in a Sentence

1

The impatient child kept asking when we would arrive.

Start by signing 'child', then use the 'patient' and 'none' combination to show they are 'impatient'. Finish the sentence by signing 'ask' repeatedly while leaning forward to show their eagerness.

2

Don't be impatient; it takes time to learn ASL.

Begin by signing 'impatient'—dragging your thumb down your chin and opening your hands outward—while shaking your head to mean 'don't be impatient.' Then, sign 'ASL', 'learn', and 'time' to explain that the process requires time.

3

I always get impatient waiting in long lines.

First, establish the context by signing 'line long' and 'wait'. Then, sign 'impatient' by combining the signs for 'patient' and 'none', making sure to use a frustrated facial expression to emphasize your lack of patience.

How to Sign "Impatient"
To sign "impatient," you will combine the signs for "patient" and "none." Start by forming an "A" handshape with your dominant hand. Place the tip of your thumb against your chin and drag it downward a couple of inches to sign "patient." Immediately transition into the sign for "none" by bringing both hands in front of your chest in "O" handshapes. Move your hands outward to the sides while opening your fingers into "5" handshapes. Use a frustrated facial expression to clearly convey the feeling of impatience.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound of two distinct ASL concepts. The first part, "patient," visually represents keeping one's lips sealed or holding back complaints, symbolizing endurance. The second part, "none," uses an outward, opening gesture to show empty hands or nothingness. Together, the sequence of "patient" and "none" literally translates to having "zero patience."
Signing Tips
When signing "impatient," ensure the transition between "patient" and "none" is fluid and continuous. Don't pause between the two signs; let the downward motion of "patient" flow naturally into the starting position of "none." Your facial expression is also crucial—furrow your eyebrows, purse your lips, or show a slight look of frustration to emphasize the lack of patience.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is signing "patient" but forgetting to add the "none" part, which completely changes the meaning of your sentence to its exact opposite! Additionally, beginners sometimes drag their thumb too far down their chest for the first part of the sign, instead of keeping the movement small and contained just below the chin.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Impatient" in a Sentence
1

The impatient child kept asking when we would arrive.

Start by signing 'child', then use the 'patient' and 'none' combination to show they are 'impatient'. Finish the sentence by signing 'ask' repeatedly while leaning forward to show their eagerness.

2

Don't be impatient; it takes time to learn ASL.

Begin by signing 'impatient'—dragging your thumb down your chin and opening your hands outward—while shaking your head to mean 'don't be impatient.' Then, sign 'ASL', 'learn', and 'time' to explain that the process requires time.

3

I always get impatient waiting in long lines.

First, establish the context by signing 'line long' and 'wait'. Then, sign 'impatient' by combining the signs for 'patient' and 'none', making sure to use a frustrated facial expression to emphasize your lack of patience.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just shake my head while signing 'patient'?

While shaking your head while signing 'patient' can technically convey 'not patient,' the compound sign of 'patient' followed by 'none' is the standard, most natural way to express the specific concept of being 'impatient' in ASL. Using the compound sign ensures your meaning is crystal clear to fluent signers.

Do I need to use both hands for the 'none' part of the sign?

Yes, the sign for 'none' requires both hands starting in 'O' handshapes and moving outward. Using only one hand might confuse the viewer, look like a completely different sign, or simply appear grammatically incorrect. Always use both hands to clearly articulate the 'none' portion of the sign.

How important is facial expression for this sign?

Facial expression is absolutely essential! Since 'impatient' carries a strong emotional tone, furrowing your eyebrows, pursing your lips, or showing visible frustration helps convey the exact feeling and intensity behind the word. Without the right expression, the sign can look robotic or lack its intended meaning.

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