How to Sign "Partner"

To sign 'partner,' form 'V' handshapes with both hands by extending your index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers tucked in. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the fingers pointing forward and the palm facing inward. Bring your dominant 'V' hand toward your non-dominant hand, tapping the sides of your extended fingers together twice.

Examples Using "Partner" in a Sentence

1

My partner and I are going to the movies.

Sign 'partner' by tapping your 'V' hands together, followed by pointing to yourself for 'I'. Then, sign 'go' and finish with the sign for 'movies'. This structure clearly establishes who is involved before stating the action.

2

Who is your lab partner?

Start by pointing to the person for 'your', then sign 'science' or 'lab'. Next, sign 'partner' using the double-tapping 'V' hands. Finish with the 'who' sign at the end of the sentence while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.

3

We need to find a partner for the project.

Begin by signing 'we', then 'need', and 'find'. After that, use the double-tap of the 'V' hands to sign 'partner', and conclude with 'project'. This creates a smooth, logical flow for a common classroom or workplace scenario.

How to Sign "Partner"
To sign 'partner,' form 'V' handshapes with both hands by extending your index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers tucked in. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the fingers pointing forward and the palm facing inward. Bring your dominant 'V' hand toward your non-dominant hand, tapping the sides of your extended fingers together twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'partner' is highly visual and grounded in ASL classifiers. In ASL, the 'V' handshape is frequently used to represent a person's legs or an individual person standing. By bringing two 'V' handshapes together side-by-side, the sign creates a literal picture of two people standing next to each other, paired up, or moving forward together. The double tapping motion emphasizes the connection and ongoing relationship between the two individuals, perfectly capturing the concept of a partnership.
Signing Tips
When signing 'partner,' focus on keeping your wrists relaxed and your movements natural. The motion should come primarily from your dominant hand moving toward your stationary non-dominant hand. Ensure your index and middle fingers are clearly extended in the 'V' shape to distinguish this from other signs. It helps to keep your palms facing each other so the sides of your index fingers make contact. Remember to use appropriate facial expressions to match the context of your sentence, whether it's a casual or professional setting.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using flat hands or closed fists instead of the required 'V' handshapes, which can confuse the meaning with other signs. Another common error is clapping the palms together rather than gently tapping the sides of the extended fingers. Make sure you are tapping the hands together twice; a single tap might look like a different sign or an incomplete movement. Finally, avoid pointing your fingers upward; they should point forward away from your body.
Regional Variations
While the tapping 'V' hands is the most universally recognized sign for 'partner' across North America, you might encounter a variation in professional or corporate settings. Some signers use the sign for 'share' (brushing the side of the dominant hand back and forth over the non-dominant hand) followed by the 'person' marker (two flat hands moving downward). This variation specifically emphasizes a 'sharing person' or business partner, but the 'V' handshape version remains the most versatile and common.
Examples Using "Partner" in a Sentence
1

My partner and I are going to the movies.

Sign 'partner' by tapping your 'V' hands together, followed by pointing to yourself for 'I'. Then, sign 'go' and finish with the sign for 'movies'. This structure clearly establishes who is involved before stating the action.

2

Who is your lab partner?

Start by pointing to the person for 'your', then sign 'science' or 'lab'. Next, sign 'partner' using the double-tapping 'V' hands. Finish with the 'who' sign at the end of the sentence while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.

3

We need to find a partner for the project.

Begin by signing 'we', then 'need', and 'find'. After that, use the double-tap of the 'V' hands to sign 'partner', and conclude with 'project'. This creates a smooth, logical flow for a common classroom or workplace scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for both romantic and business partners?

Yes, the tapping 'V' hands sign is incredibly versatile. It is widely used to refer to romantic partners, school project partners, or business associates. The specific type of partner is usually made clear by the surrounding context of your conversation or the setting you are in.

Do both hands move when signing 'partner'?

Typically, your non-dominant hand acts as a stationary base while your dominant hand moves to tap against it. However, it is also perfectly acceptable and common for both hands to move slightly toward each other to meet in the middle. Just ensure the tapping motion is clear.

Is this sign related to the sign for 'roommate'?

While they share a similar double-tapping motion, they use entirely different handshapes. 'Roommate' uses interlocking bent flat hands, representing people sharing a space. 'Partner' specifically uses the 'V' handshapes to represent two individuals paired together. Paying attention to handshapes is crucial for clarity.

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