How to Sign "Pharmacy"
The sign for "pharmacy" is a compound of two signs: MEDICINE and STORE. First, sign MEDICINE by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing up. Take your dominant hand, extend the middle finger downward (an 'open 8' handshape), and touch its tip to the center of your non-dominant palm, pivoting the hand slightly side to side. Next, smoothly transition into the sign for STORE. Form both hands into flattened 'O' shapes with your fingertips pointing down and slightly forward, and pivot your wrists forward and back twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a highly visual compound sign made of two distinct concepts: 'MEDICINE' and 'STORE'. The 'MEDICINE' portion of the sign visually represents a traditional pharmacist or healer using a mortar and pestle to crush herbs, roots, or pills into a powder. The 'STORE' portion represents the hanging signs or awnings of a shop, or the act of displaying items on a rack for sale. Put together, the signs literally translate to 'medicine store'.
Signing Tips
When signing compound words like 'pharmacy', the key is a smooth, fluid transition between the two concepts. Don't pause too long between 'MEDICINE' and 'STORE'. The 'MEDICINE' part uses a distinct pivoting motion of the middle finger, like crushing pills in a mortar. When transitioning to 'STORE', quickly bring both hands up and form the flattened 'O' shapes. Keep the movements concise and relaxed so it flows naturally as a single, unified concept rather than two completely separate, disjointed words.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using the index finger instead of the middle finger for the 'MEDICINE' portion of the sign. Make sure it is specifically your middle finger touching your palm. Another common error is pointing the fingertips up, inward, or sideways during the 'STORE' portion. Your fingertips should point downward and slightly forward. Finally, be sure to pivot your wrists twice for 'STORE' so it isn't confused with the sign for 'SELL'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Pharmacy" in a Sentence
1I need to go to the pharmacy.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED' with a hooked 'X' handshape moving down, sign 'GO', and finish with the compound sign for 'PHARMACY' (MEDICINE + STORE).
2Is there a pharmacy near here?
Sign 'PHARMACY', then 'NEAR' and 'HERE'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows, widen your eyes slightly, and lean forward while holding the last sign.
3The pharmacy is closed today.
Sign 'TODAY' using both 'Y' hands bouncing slightly, then sign 'PHARMACY', and finally 'CLOSED' by bringing both flat hands together in front of you as if shutting a set of double doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just sign "MEDICINE" to mean "pharmacy"?
While some fluent signers might just use "MEDICINE" if the context makes it obvious they are talking about a location, it is much clearer for beginners to use the full compound sign "MEDICINE + STORE" to specifically refer to the physical pharmacy or drugstore building.
Do I have to do the "STORE" movement twice?
Yes, typically the "STORE" part of the sign uses a double movement, meaning you pivot your wrists forward twice. A single, distinct forward movement usually translates to the verb "SELL", so the double movement clarifies that you mean a noun or a place of business.
What exactly is the handshape for the "MEDICINE" part?
The dominant hand uses what is called an "open 8" handshape. This means your hand is open and relaxed, but your middle finger is extended downward to touch your non-dominant palm. The non-dominant hand simply remains flat with the palm facing upward.
Related ASL Signs
