Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Level"

To sign 'level', start with both hands flat in front of your chest, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward. Begin with your hands close together or touching at the center. Then, move both hands straight outward to the sides in a smooth, horizontal line.

Examples Using "Level" in a Sentence

1

The floor is perfectly level.

Sign 'FLOOR', then use the 'LEVEL' sign to describe its smooth, even surface.

2

Make sure the picture is level.

After signing 'PICTURE', use the 'LEVEL' sign to indicate that the frame should be straight and even.

3

We need a flat, level table.

Sign 'TABLE', then use the 'LEVEL' sign to emphasize that the surface must be completely even.

How to Sign "Level"
To sign 'level', start with both hands flat in front of your chest, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward. Begin with your hands close together or touching at the center. Then, move both hands straight outward to the sides in a smooth, horizontal line.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of iconic ASL, meaning it visually mimics what it represents. The flat hands and the straight, horizontal movement directly trace the shape of a flat surface in the air, perfectly capturing the physical concept of something being level.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your palms completely parallel to the floor throughout the entire movement. Imagine you are sliding your hands across a perfectly smooth, flat table. The straighter and smoother your outward motion is, the clearer the concept of 'level' or 'even' will be.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is letting your hands drift upward or downward as they move apart, which ruins the illusion of a flat surface. Another common error is curving your hands or wiggling your fingers; keep your hands flat and steady.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Level" in a Sentence
1

The floor is perfectly level.

Sign 'FLOOR', then use the 'LEVEL' sign to describe its smooth, even surface.

2

Make sure the picture is level.

After signing 'PICTURE', use the 'LEVEL' sign to indicate that the frame should be straight and even.

3

We need a flat, level table.

Sign 'TABLE', then use the 'LEVEL' sign to emphasize that the surface must be completely even.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to talk about a level in a video game?

Typically, no. This sign refers to a physical surface being flat or even. For a video game level or a level of difficulty, you would usually use a different sign that indicates stages or steps moving upward.

Does this sign also mean 'flat' or 'even'?

Yes! In ASL, this single sign is used to convey the concepts of 'level', 'flat', and 'even'. The specific English translation depends on the context of your sentence.

Should my hands touch at the beginning of the sign?

Yes, it is best to start with your hands touching or very close together in the center of your chest before moving them outward to show a continuous surface.

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