Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Place"

To sign “Place”, Using both hands into “P” handshapes but both middle fingertips touch each other. Then both moving curved backward to meet to each other’ same fingertips to create “full circle” Similar to signing “area” and “location”.

Examples Using "Place" in a Sentence

1

This is a beautiful place.

Sign "THIS", "BEAUTIFUL", and then "PLACE" using the two "P" handshapes touching at the middle fingers and drawing a horizontal circle. Use an appreciative facial expression to match the meaning.

2

What place are we going to?

Sign "WE", "GO", and "PLACE". When signing "PLACE", remember to keep your "P" handshapes clear as you draw the circle. Lower your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate a "wh-" question.

3

Put it in its proper place.

Point to the object, sign "PLACE" by tracing the circle with your "P" hands, and finally use a directional "PUT" sign to show exactly where the object belongs in that area.

How to Sign "Place"
To sign “Place”, Using both hands into “P” handshapes but both middle fingertips touch each other. Then both moving curved backward to meet to each other’ same fingertips to create “full circle” Similar to signing “area” and “location”.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "place" is highly visual and relies on initialization, a common feature in ASL where the first letter of the corresponding English word is used as the handshape. In this case, the "P" handshapes stand for "Place." The circular motion of the hands outlines a specific boundary on a flat surface. By drawing this circle in the space in front of you, you are visually marking off a designated spot or territory.
Signing Tips
To sign "place" clearly, focus on maintaining strong "P" handshapes throughout the entire movement. Your middle fingers should be pointing downward and inward to touch each other at the start and end of the circle. Keep the circular motion horizontal, parallel to the floor, rather than vertical. Imagine you are tracing the outline of a round table or a specific spot on a map right in front of you. Keep the movement smooth and controlled.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using the wrong handshape, such as "A" or "L" hands, instead of the required "P" handshapes. Another frequent error is making a vertical circle instead of a flat, horizontal one. Make sure your hands move outward, backward, and then together again on a flat plane. Finally, be careful not to let your middle fingers drift apart at the end; they must touch at both the beginning and the end of the circular motion to complete the sign properly.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Place" in a Sentence
1

This is a beautiful place.

Sign "THIS", "BEAUTIFUL", and then "PLACE" using the two "P" handshapes touching at the middle fingers and drawing a horizontal circle. Use an appreciative facial expression to match the meaning.

2

What place are we going to?

Sign "WE", "GO", and "PLACE". When signing "PLACE", remember to keep your "P" handshapes clear as you draw the circle. Lower your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate a "wh-" question.

3

Put it in its proper place.

Point to the object, sign "PLACE" by tracing the circle with your "P" hands, and finally use a directional "PUT" sign to show exactly where the object belongs in that area.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between "place," "area," and "location"?

In ASL, these signs are very similar in movement but use different handshapes. "Place" uses "P" handshapes, "Area" uses "A" handshapes, and "Location" uses "L" handshapes. The circular motion remains the same, but the initial letter changes the exact meaning.

Should the circle I draw be vertical or horizontal?

The circle should be horizontal, parallel to the ground. Imagine you are tracing the rim of a bowl or a round plate sitting on a table in front of you. Your hands start furthest away from you and curve backward to meet closer to your chest.

Do my fingers need to touch at the end of the sign?

Yes, it is important that your middle fingertips touch at both the beginning and the end of the sign. They start touching, separate to draw the two halves of the circle, and must meet again to close the full circle.

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