How to Sign "Please"
Make the sign please, by taking your dominant hand in the closed five handshape and placing it palms in on your chest. Make a circular motion in clockwise.You can make this sign slowly to emphasize please.
Examples Using "Please" in a Sentence
1
Can you help me, please?
Sign 'help' followed by 'please'. Remember to keep your hand flat against your chest and use a polite, sincere facial expression to match the tone of your request.
2
Please slow down.
Sign 'please' and then 'slow'. As the description notes, you can make the circular motion of 'please' a bit slower and more deliberate to emphasize your need for them to slow down.
3
Yes, please!
Nod your head while signing 'yes', then smoothly transition into signing 'please' by rubbing your flat hand in a clockwise circle on your chest.
How to Sign "Please"
Make the sign please, by taking your dominant hand in the closed five handshape and placing it palms in on your chest. Make a circular motion in clockwise.You can make this sign slowly to emphasize please.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'please' is visually connected to the heart and emotions. By placing a flat hand over the center of the chest and rubbing in a soothing, circular motion, the sign represents a feeling of sincerity, warmth, and politeness coming straight from the heart. This iconic gesture aligns perfectly with the memory hint that the motion 'warms your heart'.
Signing Tips
To sign 'please' clearly, make sure your fingers are kept together in a flat, closed five handshape. The circular motion should be smooth and continuous, rubbing gently against your chest. Your facial expression is just as important as your hands; a polite, sincere expression will make the meaning of 'please' much clearer. If you really want to emphasize your request, slow down the circular motion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using an open hand with spread fingers instead of keeping the fingers tightly together in the closed five handshape. Another frequent error is making the circle in the air in front of the chest rather than making physical contact. Ensure your palm is actually touching your chest as you make the clockwise circle.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Please" in a Sentence
1Can you help me, please?
Sign 'help' followed by 'please'. Remember to keep your hand flat against your chest and use a polite, sincere facial expression to match the tone of your request.
2Please slow down.
Sign 'please' and then 'slow'. As the description notes, you can make the circular motion of 'please' a bit slower and more deliberate to emphasize your need for them to slow down.
3Yes, please!
Nod your head while signing 'yes', then smoothly transition into signing 'please' by rubbing your flat hand in a clockwise circle on your chest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I use one hand or two hands to sign 'please'?
You only use one hand to sign 'please'. Always use your dominant hand—the hand you write or eat with—and place it flat against your chest.
How is 'please' different from the sign for 'sorry'?
Both signs use the same circular motion on the chest, but the handshape is different. 'Please' uses a flat, closed five handshape, while 'sorry' uses an 'A' handshape (a closed fist with the thumb resting on the side).
Should my hand actually touch my chest?
Yes, your palm should be facing in and making physical contact with your chest. You are gently rubbing your chest in a clockwise circle, not just hovering your hand in the air.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!