To sign 'pity,' start by forming an open '5' handshape with your dominant hand, then bend your middle finger forward. Hold your hand in front of your chest with your palm facing outward. Move your hand forward in a gentle, repetitive stroking motion, as if you are sending your feelings of sympathy toward someone.
Sign 'pity' by directing the forward stroking motion slightly downward, as if you are aiming your sympathy toward a small dog on the ground.
Use the sign for 'pity' paired with a disappointed facial expression to show that you feel genuinely bad about the unfortunate situation.
Direct the sign for 'pity' toward the specific location in your signing space where you previously established the person being looked at.
Sign 'pity' by directing the forward stroking motion slightly downward, as if you are aiming your sympathy toward a small dog on the ground.
Use the sign for 'pity' paired with a disappointed facial expression to show that you feel genuinely bad about the unfortunate situation.
Direct the sign for 'pity' toward the specific location in your signing space where you previously established the person being looked at.
Yes! While this video demonstrates the one-handed version, 'pity' is very often signed using both hands simultaneously. Using two hands can emphasize the depth of your sympathy or show that the feeling is especially strong.
In ASL, the signs for 'pity,' 'sympathy,' and 'mercy' are typically the exact same sign. The specific English translation is understood from the context of your conversation and the intensity of your facial expression.
Bending the middle finger creates what is known as the 'open 8' handshape. In ASL, the middle finger is heavily associated with emotions. Bending it highlights that the sign is related to an internal feeling rather than a physical action.
