How to Sign "Pass"

To sign 'pass', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing straight up. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest. Place your dominant hand slightly behind the non-dominant hand, then move it forward in a straight line so that it clearly passes the stationary hand.

Examples Using "Pass" in a Sentence

1

I hope I pass my math test.

Sign 'math', then 'test', and finish with the sign for 'pass' by moving your dominant 'A' hand past your stationary non-dominant 'A' hand.

2

The blue car passed us on the highway.

After establishing the car, use the 'pass' sign to visually demonstrate the action of the vehicle moving ahead of yours.

3

Did you pass the final exam?

Sign 'you', 'exam', and then 'pass', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Pass"
To sign 'pass', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing straight up. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest. Place your dominant hand slightly behind the non-dominant hand, then move it forward in a straight line so that it clearly passes the stationary hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of passing. The stationary hand represents an object, a milestone, or a standard, while the moving hand represents you or another object successfully moving beyond it.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand completely still to serve as a clear reference point. The movement of your dominant hand should be smooth and deliberate, moving straight forward past the other hand.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands at the same time. Remember that only the dominant hand should move while the non-dominant hand stays planted. Another mistake is using flat hands instead of the 'A' handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Pass" in a Sentence
1

I hope I pass my math test.

Sign 'math', then 'test', and finish with the sign for 'pass' by moving your dominant 'A' hand past your stationary non-dominant 'A' hand.

2

The blue car passed us on the highway.

After establishing the car, use the 'pass' sign to visually demonstrate the action of the vehicle moving ahead of yours.

3

Did you pass the final exam?

Sign 'you', 'exam', and then 'pass', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for passing an object to someone?

No, this sign is used for passing a test, passing a class, or passing by something. To sign passing an object, you would typically use a directional verb or mime the action of handing the item to the person.

Can I use this sign to mean 'pass away'?

No, 'pass away' or dying has its own specific signs in ASL. Using this sign for 'pass' in the context of death would be confusing and incorrect.

Does it matter which hand moves?

Yes! In ASL, your dominant hand should be the one performing the primary movement. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary reference point that your dominant hand passes.

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