How to Sign "On"
the sign 'on' uses both hands. bring the non-dominant hand up towards chest height, with the hand in a fist. bring the dominant hand up with a flat hand and tap the top of the fist.
Examples Using "On" in a Sentence
1
Put the book on the table.
Sign 'book' and 'table,' and then use your flat dominant hand to tap your non-dominant fist to show the placement 'on' the table.
2
The keys are on the counter.
After signing 'keys' and 'counter,' tap your flat dominant hand on top of your non-dominant fist to clearly indicate their physical location.
3
My jacket is on the chair.
Sign 'jacket' and 'chair,' then bring your flat dominant hand down to tap your non-dominant fist, showing the jacket resting on the seat.
How to Sign "On"
the sign 'on' uses both hands. bring the non-dominant hand up towards chest height, with the hand in a fist. bring the dominant hand up with a flat hand and tap the top of the fist.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'on' is highly iconic and visually represents the physical concept of placement. Your non-dominant fist acts as a solid, stationary base or surface, much like a table, a rock, or the floor. Your flat dominant hand represents an object coming to rest on top of that surface. By tapping the flat hand onto the fist, you are literally pantomiming the action of placing one thing directly on top of another, making it a very intuitive concept to remember.
Signing Tips
When signing 'on,' focus on the clear contrast between your two hands. Your non-dominant hand acts as the base or surface, so keep it steady at chest height as a closed fist. Make sure your dominant hand is completely flat, with your fingers held closely together, to clearly represent the object being placed. A single, gentle tap of the flat hand against the top of the fist is usually enough to convey the meaning clearly without looking overly forceful or aggressive.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using the same handshape for both hands, such as tapping two flat hands together or two fists together. Remember that the non-dominant hand must be a closed fist and the dominant hand must be flat. Another common error is using this specific sign for English phrases like 'turn on the TV' or 'hold on.' This sign is strictly spatial, meaning it is only used to describe an object physically resting on top of another surface.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "On" in a Sentence
1Put the book on the table.
Sign 'book' and 'table,' and then use your flat dominant hand to tap your non-dominant fist to show the placement 'on' the table.
2The keys are on the counter.
After signing 'keys' and 'counter,' tap your flat dominant hand on top of your non-dominant fist to clearly indicate their physical location.
3My jacket is on the chair.
Sign 'jacket' and 'chair,' then bring your flat dominant hand down to tap your non-dominant fist, showing the jacket resting on the seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say 'turn on the lights'?
No, this sign is only used for physical placement, like a cup 'on' a table. To say 'turn on' for electronics or lights, ASL uses completely different signs that mimic the action of flipping a switch or pressing a button.
Does it matter which hand is the fist?
Yes! Your non-dominant hand should always be the stationary fist acting as the base. Your dominant hand (the hand you write with) should be the flat hand that moves and taps the top of the fist.
How hard should I tap my hands together?
A gentle, firm tap is perfect. You do not need to slap your hand down forcefully. Just a light, deliberate touch of your flat dominant hand against the top of your non-dominant fist clearly communicates the word.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!