Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Outside"

to sign 'outside', bring the dominant hand up to forehead level, with the hand out from the head and the palm facing inwards. bend the hand at the wrist, leaving the hand in a relaxed claw shape. bring the hand further out while bringing the fingertips together to make the hand into a teardrop shape. repeat the motion twice.

Examples Using "Outside" in a Sentence

1

Do you want to play outside?

Sign 'want', 'play', and then sign 'outside' by bringing your dominant hand to forehead level and pulling it outward twice while closing your fingers into a teardrop shape. Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

2

It is cold outside today.

Sign 'today', 'cold', and finish with 'outside'. Remember to keep your palm facing inward as you pull your hand away from your forehead, repeating the closing motion twice.

3

Let's go outside.

Sign 'let's', 'go', and then 'outside'. Make sure your hand starts in a relaxed claw shape near your forehead and moves outward, closing the fingertips together into a teardrop.

How to Sign "Outside"
to sign 'outside', bring the dominant hand up to forehead level, with the hand out from the head and the palm facing inwards. bend the hand at the wrist, leaving the hand in a relaxed claw shape. bring the hand further out while bringing the fingertips together to make the hand into a teardrop shape. repeat the motion twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'outside' is highly visual and iconic. The motion of the hand starting near the body and moving away while closing represents the concept of taking something out or moving from an enclosed space into an external area. The repetition emphasizes the location or state of being 'outside'.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement crisp but relaxed. Start with your hand near your forehead in a loose claw shape, and make sure the outward pulling motion is distinct. When you close your fingers into the teardrop shape, imagine you are grabbing something from the air and pulling it out. Repeating the motion twice distinguishes it from the sign for 'out'.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is doing the sign too low, such as at chest level, instead of up at forehead level as described. Another frequent error is forgetting to repeat the motion; pulling the hand outward and closing it only once typically translates to the action 'out' rather than the location 'outside'. Finally, ensure your palm faces inward toward you.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Outside" in a Sentence
1

Do you want to play outside?

Sign 'want', 'play', and then sign 'outside' by bringing your dominant hand to forehead level and pulling it outward twice while closing your fingers into a teardrop shape. Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

2

It is cold outside today.

Sign 'today', 'cold', and finish with 'outside'. Remember to keep your palm facing inward as you pull your hand away from your forehead, repeating the closing motion twice.

3

Let's go outside.

Sign 'let's', 'go', and then 'outside'. Make sure your hand starts in a relaxed claw shape near your forehead and moves outward, closing the fingertips together into a teardrop.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'out' and 'outside'?

The main difference is the repetition. 'Out' is typically signed with a single, distinct outward pulling motion. 'Outside', as described here, repeats that pulling and closing motion twice to indicate the location or environment rather than just the action.

Does my hand need to touch my forehead?

No, your hand does not need to touch your forehead. The sign is performed by bringing the hand up to forehead level but keeping it out from the head before you begin the outward pulling motion.

What handshape should I end with?

You should end with a 'teardrop' shape, which is made by bringing all your fingertips and your thumb together. You start with a relaxed claw and pull outward into this closed teardrop shape twice.

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