Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Movie"

To sign “video”, using your non-dominant “B” handshape with your thumb out and palm toward you. Setting your dominant “five” handshape wrist behind the non-dominant fingers. Then waving your dominant hand few times. Also, this is similar sign for “movie”.

Examples Using "Movie" in a Sentence

1

Do you want to watch a movie tonight?

Sign 'YOU WANT WATCH MOVIE TONIGHT?' When signing 'movie', make sure your dominant '5' hand waves clearly behind your non-dominant hand to show the action of the film.

2

My favorite movie is a comedy.

Sign 'MY FAVORITE MOVIE COMEDY.' Keep your non-dominant 'B' hand steady with the palm facing you while your dominant hand waves behind it.

3

We are going to the movie theater.

Sign 'WE GO MOVIE THEATER.' The sign for 'movie' acts as the base here; just wave your dominant hand a few times behind your non-dominant fingers before signing 'theater'.

How to Sign "Movie"
To sign “video”, using your non-dominant “B” handshape with your thumb out and palm toward you. Setting your dominant “five” handshape wrist behind the non-dominant fingers. Then waving your dominant hand few times. Also, this is similar sign for “movie”.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'movie' is highly visual and iconic. Your stationary non-dominant hand represents a flat surface, like a movie screen or a wall. Your dominant hand, placed behind it with the fingers spread and waving, represents the flickering light of an old-fashioned film projector or the moving images themselves playing across the screen.
Signing Tips
To sign 'movie' clearly, focus on keeping your non-dominant 'B' hand completely still, acting as a screen. Only your dominant '5' hand should move. The waving motion should come from the wrist of your dominant hand, pivoting side to side while resting against the back of your non-dominant hand. Keep your movements relaxed and natural, waving two or three times to convey the flickering of a screen.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving both hands at the same time. Remember that your non-dominant hand needs to stay perfectly still to represent the projection screen. Another frequent error is facing the palm of the non-dominant hand outward instead of toward your own body. Finally, make sure your dominant hand is in a wide '5' handshape, not closed, so the waving motion is clearly visible.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Movie" in a Sentence
1

Do you want to watch a movie tonight?

Sign 'YOU WANT WATCH MOVIE TONIGHT?' When signing 'movie', make sure your dominant '5' hand waves clearly behind your non-dominant hand to show the action of the film.

2

My favorite movie is a comedy.

Sign 'MY FAVORITE MOVIE COMEDY.' Keep your non-dominant 'B' hand steady with the palm facing you while your dominant hand waves behind it.

3

We are going to the movie theater.

Sign 'WE GO MOVIE THEATER.' The sign for 'movie' acts as the base here; just wave your dominant hand a few times behind your non-dominant fingers before signing 'theater'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'movie' the same as 'video'?

Yes, in everyday ASL, the signs for 'movie' and 'video' are often exactly the same. You use the context of your sentence to let the other person know whether you are talking about going to a movie theater or watching a video on your phone.

Which way should my non-dominant palm face?

Your non-dominant palm should face toward your own body. It acts as the screen, while your dominant hand rests behind it and waves to show the moving pictures.

How many times should I wave my dominant hand?

Usually, waving your dominant hand two or three times is perfect. You do not need to overdo it; a few gentle waves from the wrist are enough to clearly communicate the sign.

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