To sign 'mercy,' form both hands into an open '8' handshape by keeping your hands open and bending your middle fingers forward. Hold your hands out in front of you with your palms facing forward and slightly down. Move both hands forward in small, repeated, circular stroking motions, while showing a sympathetic or pleading expression on your face.
Sign 'mercy' moving forward from your body to indicate that you, or the subject of the sentence, are extending mercy outward to someone else.
For this sentence, you would reverse the direction of the sign. Bring the open '8' handshapes inward toward your chest to show the mercy being given to you.
Use a strong, pleading facial expression while signing 'mercy' to convey the intensity and desperation of begging for compassion.
Sign 'mercy' moving forward from your body to indicate that you, or the subject of the sentence, are extending mercy outward to someone else.
For this sentence, you would reverse the direction of the sign. Bring the open '8' handshapes inward toward your chest to show the mercy being given to you.
Use a strong, pleading facial expression while signing 'mercy' to convey the intensity and desperation of begging for compassion.
Yes, the sign for 'mercy' is the exact same sign used for 'pity,' 'compassion,' and 'sympathy.' The specific English translation depends heavily on the context of your sentence and the intensity of your facial expression.
While it is most commonly and formally signed with both hands to show deep compassion, it can sometimes be signed casually with one hand, especially if your other hand is occupied. However, using two hands is highly recommended for beginners.
'Mercy' is a directional verb in ASL. To show someone having mercy on you, start the sign further away from your body and move the circular stroking motion inward toward your chest, rather than outward.
