Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Paper"

the sign 'paper' uses both hands. Relax both hands so they are flat. Bring the non-dominant hand up, with the palm facing towards the ceiling. Bring the dominant hand down to clap their palms together, with the fingers of the hands pointing in opposite directions.

Examples Using "Paper" in a Sentence

1

I need a piece of paper.

Sign 'I' by pointing to yourself, then sign 'need'. Finally, perform the 'paper' sign by bringing your flat dominant hand down to clap against your upward-facing non-dominant hand, ensuring your fingers point in opposite directions.

2

Where is the paper?

First, sign 'paper' using the flat-handed clapping motion described. Then, sign 'where' by holding up your dominant index finger and shaking it side to side, while furrowing your eyebrows to show you are asking a question.

3

Please hand me that paper.

Start by signing 'please' with a flat hand rubbing your chest in a circle. Next, sign 'paper' by clapping your flat palms together with fingers pointing opposite ways, and finish by pointing directly at the paper.

How to Sign "Paper"
the sign 'paper' uses both hands. Relax both hands so they are flat. Bring the non-dominant hand up, with the palm facing towards the ceiling. Bring the dominant hand down to clap their palms together, with the fingers of the hands pointing in opposite directions.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'paper' is highly visual and stems from the action of organizing or interacting with physical sheets of paper. When you bring your flat hands together with fingers pointing in opposite directions, it mimics the motion of tapping a messy stack of papers to straighten them out. It also represents the flat, smooth surface of a piece of paper itself. By keeping your hands relaxed and clapping them together, you are physically acting out the process of organizing a messy paper stack.
Signing Tips
To sign 'paper' clearly, focus on the orientation of your hands. Keep your non-dominant hand steady as a base, with the palm facing the ceiling. When you bring your dominant hand down, make sure your hands are angled so your fingers point in completely opposite directions. Keep your hands flat but relaxed—there is no need to keep your fingers rigidly stiff. A gentle, light clap is all you need to convey the word perfectly.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is pointing the fingers of both hands in the same direction when clapping them together. If your fingers point the same way, you are actually signing 'school' instead of 'paper'! To avoid this, always ensure your fingers are pointing in opposite directions. Additionally, be careful not to curl your fingers; your hands should remain flat and relaxed to properly represent the flat surface of a piece of paper.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Paper" in a Sentence
1

I need a piece of paper.

Sign 'I' by pointing to yourself, then sign 'need'. Finally, perform the 'paper' sign by bringing your flat dominant hand down to clap against your upward-facing non-dominant hand, ensuring your fingers point in opposite directions.

2

Where is the paper?

First, sign 'paper' using the flat-handed clapping motion described. Then, sign 'where' by holding up your dominant index finger and shaking it side to side, while furrowing your eyebrows to show you are asking a question.

3

Please hand me that paper.

Start by signing 'please' with a flat hand rubbing your chest in a circle. Next, sign 'paper' by clapping your flat palms together with fingers pointing opposite ways, and finish by pointing directly at the paper.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'paper' similar to the sign for 'school'?

Yes, they are very similar! The main difference is the direction of your fingers. For 'paper,' your fingers must point in opposite directions. For 'school,' your fingers point in the same direction when you clap your hands together.

How hard should I clap my hands together?

You do not need to clap loudly or forcefully. A gentle, relaxed clapping motion of the dominant hand onto the non-dominant hand is perfect. The focus should be on the handshape and direction, not the sound.

Does it matter which hand is on top?

Yes, it matters. Your non-dominant hand should act as the stationary base on the bottom, with the palm facing up. Your dominant hand should be the one moving down to clap on top of it.

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