Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Occasional"

To sign 'occasional' (which is the same sign as 'sometimes'), start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand, extending just your index finger. Strike the palm of your non-dominant hand with the tip of your dominant index finger. Then, lift the index finger, move it in a small upward circular motion toward your body, and strike the palm again.

Examples Using "Occasional" in a Sentence

1

I enjoy an occasional cup of coffee.

To express this, you can sign 'I', then use the sign for 'occasional' to show that it is not an everyday habit, followed by 'drink' and 'coffee'. Placing the sign for 'occasional' before the action clearly establishes the frequency of the event for your conversational partner.

2

We get occasional rain during the summer.

Start by establishing the timeframe by signing 'summer'. Next, use the sign for 'occasional', and finish the sentence with 'rain'. This sequence perfectly describes the infrequent weather pattern, showing that the rain happens from time to time rather than every single day.

3

He makes occasional mistakes.

First, point to the person to establish your subject ('he'). Next, sign 'occasional', and then follow it up with the sign for 'mistake'. This structure clearly indicates to the viewer that the person's errors only happen from time to time, rather than being a constant issue.

How to Sign "Occasional"
To sign 'occasional' (which is the same sign as 'sometimes'), start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand, extending just your index finger. Strike the palm of your non-dominant hand with the tip of your dominant index finger. Then, lift the index finger, move it in a small upward circular motion toward your body, and strike the palm again.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In this sign, your flat non-dominant hand acts as a base, representing a timeline or a continuous stretch of time. Your dominant index finger represents a specific event or action. By striking the palm, lifting the finger away in a circular motion, and striking it again, you are visually demonstrating events happening at spaced-out, irregular intervals over time. It paints a clear picture of something occurring, stopping for a while, and then occurring once again.
Signing Tips
When signing 'occasional,' focus on keeping your non-dominant hand steady and relaxed like a flat surface. The movement should come entirely from your dominant hand and arm. Make sure the circular motion between the strikes is smooth, rhythmic, and distinct. This circular path is important because it helps convey the passage of time between the occurrences. Remember to keep your facial expressions neutral unless you want to emphasize how rare the occasion is, in which case you might slightly raise your eyebrows.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using a flat hand instead of the '1' handshape for the dominant hand. Doing this can easily confuse the sign with 'often' or 'school,' depending on how you move your hands. Another frequent error is keeping the index finger planted on the palm or just tapping it in place without the circular lift. The lifting and circling motion is crucial because it visually separates the events, showing that they happen occasionally rather than continuously.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Occasional" in a Sentence
1

I enjoy an occasional cup of coffee.

To express this, you can sign 'I', then use the sign for 'occasional' to show that it is not an everyday habit, followed by 'drink' and 'coffee'. Placing the sign for 'occasional' before the action clearly establishes the frequency of the event for your conversational partner.

2

We get occasional rain during the summer.

Start by establishing the timeframe by signing 'summer'. Next, use the sign for 'occasional', and finish the sentence with 'rain'. This sequence perfectly describes the infrequent weather pattern, showing that the rain happens from time to time rather than every single day.

3

He makes occasional mistakes.

First, point to the person to establish your subject ('he'). Next, sign 'occasional', and then follow it up with the sign for 'mistake'. This structure clearly indicates to the viewer that the person's errors only happen from time to time, rather than being a constant issue.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'occasional' the same as 'sometimes'?

Yes, in ASL, the concepts for 'occasional' and 'sometimes' use the exact same sign. ASL relies heavily on context, so the surrounding signs in your sentence will make it perfectly clear which specific English concept or nuance you are translating at that moment.

How big should the circular motion be?

The circle should be relatively small and natural, roughly the size of a softball. Making the circular motion too large might exaggerate the meaning, making it look like 'once in a great while' or 'rarely,' instead of just a standard 'occasional' frequency.

Does it matter which hand I use as the base?

You should always use your non-dominant hand as the flat base and your dominant hand—the one you write with—to do the tapping. Keeping your dominant hand as the active mover ensures your signing remains consistent, natural, and easy for others to read.

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