Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Kept"

To sign 'kept' (which is the same sign as 'keep'), form 'K' handshapes with both hands. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your body with the palm facing sideways. Bring your dominant hand down so that the pinky side of your dominant 'K' hand rests firmly on top of the thumb and index finger side of your non-dominant 'K' hand.

Examples Using "Kept" in a Sentence

1

I kept the old photos.

To sign this, you would first establish the timeline by signing 'PAST'. Then, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'KEEP' (meaning kept), and finish with 'OLD' and 'PICTURES'.

2

She kept my jacket.

Point to the person to indicate 'SHE', sign 'KEEP', and then sign 'MY' and 'JACKET'. If the conversation is already about the past, you don't need to add a past tense marker.

3

He kept the secret.

Point to the person for 'HE', sign 'KEEP', and then sign 'SECRET'. The firm motion of the 'KEEP' sign perfectly matches the idea of holding onto a secret securely.

How to Sign "Kept"
To sign 'kept' (which is the same sign as 'keep'), form 'K' handshapes with both hands. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your body with the palm facing sideways. Bring your dominant hand down so that the pinky side of your dominant 'K' hand rests firmly on top of the thumb and index finger side of your non-dominant 'K' hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of initialization in ASL, as it uses the 'K' handshape representing the English word 'keep'. Beyond the letter, the physical action of one hand firmly clamping down onto the other creates a strong visual metaphor of securing an item and guarding it.
Signing Tips
Make sure to use clear 'K' handshapes on both hands, where your thumb rests between your extended index and middle fingers. The movement should be a firm, deliberate placement of the dominant hand onto the non-dominant hand. This solid contact visually reinforces the idea of holding onto something securely.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using 'V' handshapes instead of 'K' handshapes. Ensure your thumb is clearly positioned between your index and middle fingers rather than tucked away. Additionally, avoid bouncing the dominant hand up and down; the sign requires a single, solid motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kept" in a Sentence
1

I kept the old photos.

To sign this, you would first establish the timeline by signing 'PAST'. Then, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'KEEP' (meaning kept), and finish with 'OLD' and 'PICTURES'.

2

She kept my jacket.

Point to the person to indicate 'SHE', sign 'KEEP', and then sign 'MY' and 'JACKET'. If the conversation is already about the past, you don't need to add a past tense marker.

3

He kept the secret.

Point to the person for 'HE', sign 'KEEP', and then sign 'SECRET'. The firm motion of the 'KEEP' sign perfectly matches the idea of holding onto a secret securely.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show that 'kept' happened in the past?

In ASL, verbs do not change their form to indicate past tense. Instead, you use the standard sign for 'KEEP' and establish the timeframe by adding a time marker like 'YESTERDAY' or 'PAST' at the beginning of your sentence.

Is the sign for 'keep' and 'kept' exactly the same?

Yes, they are exactly the same! ASL relies on context and time markers rather than conjugating verbs. Once you establish that you are talking about the past, the sign 'KEEP' is naturally understood as 'kept'.

What is the difference between 'keep' and 'careful'?

Both signs use stacked 'K' handshapes, which can be confusing for beginners. The difference is in the movement. 'Keep' uses a single, firm downward motion, while 'careful' involves tapping the hands together twice or moving them in a small, continuous circle.

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