Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Kill"

Take one hand in a "B" hand shape with the thumb extended and face the to the side, fingers pointing up. The other hand forms a "one" handshape with the palm toward the ground, finger pointed away from the speaker. The "one" hand then moves from near the speaker's body forward across the the palm of the flat "B" hand away from the speaker.

Examples Using "Kill" in a Sentence

1

The hero will kill the monster.

Sign 'hero,' then 'monster,' and finally perform the sign for 'kill' by sliding your dominant index finger forward across your non-dominant flat palm. Use intense facial expressions to match the action.

2

Please don't kill that spider.

Sign 'please,' point to the spider, sign 'kill' by pushing your dominant index finger past your upright flat hand, and shake your head to indicate 'don't.'

3

The poison can kill you.

Sign 'poison,' point to the person, and then sign 'kill' by sliding your dominant 'one' handshape forward across your non-dominant 'B' handshape.

How to Sign "Kill"
Take one hand in a "B" hand shape with the thumb extended and face the to the side, fingers pointing up. The other hand forms a "one" handshape with the palm toward the ground, finger pointed away from the speaker. The "one" hand then moves from near the speaker's body forward across the the palm of the flat "B" hand away from the speaker.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'kill' is highly visual and relies on iconic imagery. The non-dominant flat hand represents a person, animal, or object, while the dominant index finger represents a weapon, such as a knife or spear. The motion of the index finger sliding forward across the palm visually mimics the act of piercing or striking through the target.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'kill' look natural, ensure your non-dominant hand stays relatively still while your dominant index finger does the moving. Think of your non-dominant hand as a stationary target and your dominant index finger as a blade sliding past it. Match the speed and intensity of the movement to the context of your sentence—a dramatic story might require a sharper, faster motion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands at the same time. Remember that your non-dominant 'B' hand should remain stationary as a base. Another frequent error is pointing the dominant index finger up or sideways; it should point directly forward, away from your body, with the palm facing the ground as it slides across the other hand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kill" in a Sentence
1

The hero will kill the monster.

Sign 'hero,' then 'monster,' and finally perform the sign for 'kill' by sliding your dominant index finger forward across your non-dominant flat palm. Use intense facial expressions to match the action.

2

Please don't kill that spider.

Sign 'please,' point to the spider, sign 'kill' by pushing your dominant index finger past your upright flat hand, and shake your head to indicate 'don't.'

3

The poison can kill you.

Sign 'poison,' point to the person, and then sign 'kill' by sliding your dominant 'one' handshape forward across your non-dominant 'B' handshape.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand is the flat hand?

Yes! Your non-dominant hand should be the stationary flat 'B' handshape. Your dominant hand (the hand you write with) should be the 'one' handshape that moves forward across the palm. This keeps your signing clear and consistent.

Can I use this sign to mean 'dead' or 'die'?

While they are related concepts, 'kill' and 'die' have different signs in ASL. 'Kill' uses the sliding index finger motion to show an action being done to something. 'Die' uses both hands turning over to show a change in state. Stick to this sign specifically for the action of killing.

Do I need to touch my hands together during the sign?

Yes, your dominant index finger should make contact with your non-dominant palm as it slides forward. It doesn't need to be a hard strike, just a light, smooth brushing motion as the finger moves past the flat hand.

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