Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Maintain"

To sign 'maintain,' form 'A' handshapes with both hands, keeping your thumbs extended. Turn your hands so your palms face down and your thumbs point toward each other, touching at the tips. Keep your thumbs connected as you push both hands forward together in a smooth, steady motion.

Examples Using "Maintain" in a Sentence

1

I need to maintain my grades.

Sign 'maintain' by pushing your connected thumbs forward in a steady motion, then sign 'grades' to show you are keeping your academic performance consistent. This emphasizes the ongoing effort required.

2

We must maintain the equipment.

Use the forward-moving 'maintain' sign to indicate the ongoing, continuous process of keeping the machinery or equipment in good working condition. It perfectly captures the idea of regular, uninterrupted upkeep.

3

Please maintain a safe distance.

Sign 'maintain' to emphasize the continuous action of keeping the space between you steady, followed by the signs for 'safe' and 'distance.' The forward motion shows that the distance should be kept consistently.

How to Sign "Maintain"
To sign 'maintain,' form 'A' handshapes with both hands, keeping your thumbs extended. Turn your hands so your palms face down and your thumbs point toward each other, touching at the tips. Keep your thumbs connected as you push both hands forward together in a smooth, steady motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'maintain' is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of pushing an action, process, or state forward through time. The connected thumbs symbolize an unbroken, continuous link, showing that the state is not interrupted. Meanwhile, the forward movement of both hands illustrates persisting, progressing, or keeping something going steadily into the future. Together, these elements create a clear physical metaphor for maintaining a steady course or continuing an ongoing effort without stopping.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for 'maintain' clearly, focus on keeping your thumbs firmly pressed together throughout the entire forward movement. The motion should be smooth, steady, and deliberate, representing a continuous and unbroken state. Ensure your palms stay facing down toward the floor; twisting your wrists or letting your palms face inward can make the sign look unclear or easily confused with other vocabulary. Relax your shoulders and let the forward push come naturally from your elbows.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is letting their thumbs separate or drift apart as their hands move forward, which breaks the visual concept of a continuous link. Another frequent error is confusing this sign with 'keep' (as in possession), which uses stacked 'K' handshapes. Remember that 'maintain' uses 'A' handshapes with extended thumbs to convey the idea of continuing an action or state, rather than holding onto a physical object. Always keep the movement straight ahead.
Regional Variations
While the sign shown here (which is also the standard sign for 'continue') is universally understood across North America for 'maintain,' you may encounter some variations depending on the context. Some signers might use the sign for 'KEEP'—made by stacking two 'K' handshapes and tapping them—if they are talking about maintaining possession of something physical. However, for maintaining a state, condition, or action, the forward-moving 'A' handshapes remain the most accurate and widely recognized choice.
Examples Using "Maintain" in a Sentence
1

I need to maintain my grades.

Sign 'maintain' by pushing your connected thumbs forward in a steady motion, then sign 'grades' to show you are keeping your academic performance consistent. This emphasizes the ongoing effort required.

2

We must maintain the equipment.

Use the forward-moving 'maintain' sign to indicate the ongoing, continuous process of keeping the machinery or equipment in good working condition. It perfectly captures the idea of regular, uninterrupted upkeep.

3

Please maintain a safe distance.

Sign 'maintain' to emphasize the continuous action of keeping the space between you steady, followed by the signs for 'safe' and 'distance.' The forward motion shows that the distance should be kept consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'maintain' and 'keep'?

The sign for 'keep' typically refers to physical possession or ownership and is formed using 'K' handshapes stacked on top of each other. In contrast, the sign for 'maintain' shown here uses 'A' handshapes and refers to keeping an action, state, or process going steadily over time without interruption.

Can I use this sign to mean 'continue'?

Yes, absolutely! This sign is completely interchangeable with 'continue,' 'persevere,' and 'keep on.' Because it visually represents moving forward without breaking a connection, it perfectly captures the concept of maintaining a steady course of action or persisting through a task.

Does it matter how far forward I move my hands?

A short, deliberate forward movement is standard for everyday conversation and general statements. However, ASL is a highly expressive language; if you want to emphasize maintaining something for a very long time or with great effort, you can extend the movement further forward to show duration.

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