How to Sign "Notice"

To sign notice, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Point the index finger of your dominant hand near your eye. Then, bring your dominant index finger down to tap the center of your non-dominant palm.

Examples Using "Notice" in a Sentence

1

Did you notice his new haircut?

Sign notice by bringing your index finger from your eye to your open palm, followed by the signs for his, new, and haircut. Make sure to use an inquisitive facial expression with raised eyebrows to clearly indicate that you are asking a yes-or-no question.

2

I didn't notice the time.

To express this, you will shake your head gently to indicate the negative while signing notice. After tapping your palm, point to your wrist to sign time. The negative headshake combined with the sign effectively communicates that you failed to observe the clock.

3

Please notice the warning sign.

Start by signing please, then perform the sign for notice with a clear, deliberate motion from your eye to your palm. Finish by pointing to the sign or using the sign for warning. Maintain a serious facial expression to convey the importance of paying attention.

How to Sign "Notice"
To sign notice, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Point the index finger of your dominant hand near your eye. Then, bring your dominant index finger down to tap the center of your non-dominant palm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for notice is highly iconic and visually logical, making it easy for beginners to remember. The dominant index finger starts at the eye, which represents your vision, awareness, or attention. It then moves down to tap the open palm of your non-dominant hand. The non-dominant hand acts as a focal point, a document, or simply the 'thing' being observed. Together, this motion literally illustrates your eye catching sight of something or your attention being drawn to a specific detail.
Signing Tips
When learning the sign for notice, make sure the movement of your dominant index finger clearly starts near your eye before moving down to your palm. This visual connection is crucial because it emphasizes the act of seeing or perceiving something. Keep your non-dominant hand steady and flat to provide a clear, stable target for the tap. Remember to use your facial expressions to match the context—widen your eyes slightly if you are surprised by what you noticed, or furrow your brows if you are asking a question.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is skipping the starting position near the eye and just tapping the palm directly. Without starting at the eye, the sign loses its meaning and can easily be confused with signs like show, point, or this. Another common error is using a closed fist or awkward handshape for the non-dominant hand instead of keeping it flat and open. Always ensure your non-dominant palm is facing upward to act as a clear surface for your dominant index finger to land on.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Notice" in a Sentence
1

Did you notice his new haircut?

Sign notice by bringing your index finger from your eye to your open palm, followed by the signs for his, new, and haircut. Make sure to use an inquisitive facial expression with raised eyebrows to clearly indicate that you are asking a yes-or-no question.

2

I didn't notice the time.

To express this, you will shake your head gently to indicate the negative while signing notice. After tapping your palm, point to your wrist to sign time. The negative headshake combined with the sign effectively communicates that you failed to observe the clock.

3

Please notice the warning sign.

Start by signing please, then perform the sign for notice with a clear, deliberate motion from your eye to your palm. Finish by pointing to the sign or using the sign for warning. Maintain a serious facial expression to convey the importance of paying attention.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'notice' the same as 'recognize'?

They are related in concept but use different signs. Notice specifically uses the index finger moving from the eye to the palm, emphasizing catching sight of something. Recognize often involves different movements or handshapes, like bringing the index finger from the eye to the brain, depending on the exact context.

Do I have to physically touch my eye?

No, you absolutely do not need to physically touch your eye. Simply bringing your index finger close to the side of your eye or your upper cheekbone before moving it down to your palm is perfectly clear. Keeping a small distance is standard and much safer.

Can I use this sign for a written notice, like a flyer?

No, this specific sign is a verb meaning 'to perceive, see, or observe.' If you are talking about a physical written notice, like a flyer or a letter, you should use the signs for paper, announcement, or warning instead, depending on what the notice actually is.

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