To sign 'means' or 'meaning', start by holding your non-dominant hand open and flat in front of you, with the fingers pointing forward and the palm facing sideways. Next, form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Press the fingertips of the 'V' against the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then, twist your dominant hand at the wrist and tap the fingertips against the palm a second time. The twist should change the orientation of your dominant palm between the two taps.
Start by pointing to or signing the specific word you are asking about. Then, use the sign for 'means', and finish with the sign for 'what' while furrowing your eyebrows to clearly indicate that you are asking a question.
Begin by pointing to yourself to sign 'I', then use the sign for 'understand'. Follow this by pointing to the object or concept with 'that', and finally execute the sign for 'means' to complete the thought.
First, point to the object or situation to sign 'this', then use the sign for 'means'. Afterward, sign 'we' by sweeping your index finger from one shoulder to the other, followed by the signs for 'can' and 'go'.
Start by pointing to or signing the specific word you are asking about. Then, use the sign for 'means', and finish with the sign for 'what' while furrowing your eyebrows to clearly indicate that you are asking a question.
Begin by pointing to yourself to sign 'I', then use the sign for 'understand'. Follow this by pointing to the object or concept with 'that', and finally execute the sign for 'means' to complete the thought.
First, point to the object or situation to sign 'this', then use the sign for 'means'. Afterward, sign 'we' by sweeping your index finger from one shoulder to the other, followed by the signs for 'can' and 'go'.
No, this sign is strictly used for 'meaning' or 'to mean' something, such as a definition or an explanation. The sign for 'mean' (as in an unkind or cruel person) uses completely different handshapes and a different motion, usually involving clawed hands moving past each other.
Yes, absolutely! This sign is very versatile in American Sign Language. You can use it for the verb 'means' (as in 'that means we are late') as well as the noun 'meaning' (as in 'what is the meaning of this word?'). The context of your sentence will make the usage clear.
Yes, the direction of the twist is important for clarity. You should typically start with the palm of your 'V' hand facing down or toward yourself for the first tap. Then, twist your wrist so the palm faces up or away from you for the second tap.
