How to Sign "Married"

To sign “Married”, Two hands into two bent “b” handshapes with the extending thumbs. Then your non- dominant hand would be palm up front of you in the place. While your dominant hand palm down above your non- dominant hand and clasped down. Look like you hold your newly- wed spouse’s hands at the wedding day.

Examples Using "Married" in a Sentence

1

Are you married?

To ask this, point to the person, sign 'married' by bringing your dominant hand down to clasp your non-dominant hand, and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to show it is a yes/no question.

2

We just got married!

Sign 'we', then 'recently', and finish with the 'married' sign. Make sure your dominant hand comes down on top of your palm-up non-dominant hand. Add a big smile to match the excitement of the sentence!

3

They are happily married.

Point to the couple to sign 'they', sign 'happy' by brushing flat hands up your chest, and then sign 'married' by clasping your hands together. Keep your movements smooth to reflect the positive meaning.

How to Sign "Married"
To sign “Married”, Two hands into two bent “b” handshapes with the extending thumbs. Then your non- dominant hand would be palm up front of you in the place. While your dominant hand palm down above your non- dominant hand and clasped down. Look like you hold your newly- wed spouse’s hands at the wedding day.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'married' is highly iconic, meaning it visually looks like what it represents. The action of the two hands coming together and clasping mimics a couple holding hands. Specifically, it mirrors the traditional moment during a wedding ceremony when the couple joins hands at the altar to say their vows, symbolizing two lives uniting as one.
Signing Tips
When signing 'married', focus on the shape of your hands. Keep them in a relaxed, bent 'B' shape with your thumbs extended. Your non-dominant hand acts as the base, resting palm up. Bring your dominant hand down smoothly to clasp it, palm down. The movement should be gentle but firm, exactly like taking someone's hand at the altar. Keep the sign centered comfortably in front of your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is clapping their hands together flatly and loudly. Remember to use the bent 'B' handshape so the hands cup together rather than slapping. Another frequent error is interlocking the fingers; keep your fingers together and simply clasp the hands. Finally, make sure your dominant hand is the one moving to land on top, rather than moving both hands equally or putting the non-dominant hand on top.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Married" in a Sentence
1

Are you married?

To ask this, point to the person, sign 'married' by bringing your dominant hand down to clasp your non-dominant hand, and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to show it is a yes/no question.

2

We just got married!

Sign 'we', then 'recently', and finish with the 'married' sign. Make sure your dominant hand comes down on top of your palm-up non-dominant hand. Add a big smile to match the excitement of the sentence!

3

They are happily married.

Point to the couple to sign 'they', sign 'happy' by brushing flat hands up your chest, and then sign 'married' by clasping your hands together. Keep your movements smooth to reflect the positive meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand goes on top?

Yes, in ASL, your dominant hand is generally the active hand. For 'married', your non-dominant hand stays stationary with the palm facing up, while your dominant hand moves down to clasp it from above.

Is this sign used for 'husband' and 'wife' too?

Not exactly, but it is part of those signs! 'Husband' starts at the forehead (the male signing space) and moves down into the 'married' clasp. 'Wife' starts at the chin (the female signing space) and ends in the same clasp.

Should my fingers interlock when I clasp my hands?

No, your fingers should not interlock. Keep your fingers together in the bent 'B' handshape. Your dominant hand simply rests over the top of your non-dominant hand, cupping it gently rather than weaving the fingers together.

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