How to Sign "Promise"
To sign “Promise”, Hold your non-dominant fist front of you at 90 degree and with your dominant “one” handshape or extending your index finger on your lip. Move it down and open all your fingers on your non-dominant fist.
Examples Using "Promise" in a Sentence
1
I promise I will help you tomorrow.
Sign 'I', then sign 'promise' by moving your dominant index finger from your lips down to an open hand on your non-dominant fist, followed by 'help', 'you', and 'tomorrow'.
2
Did you promise to clean your room?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'promise' exactly as described with a firm landing on your fist, then sign 'clean' and 'room', raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
3
It is important to keep your promise.
Sign 'important', then sign 'promise'. You can emphasize the firm downward motion of your dominant hand landing on your fist to show the seriousness and weight of the commitment.
How to Sign "Promise"
To sign “Promise”, Hold your non-dominant fist front of you at 90 degree and with your dominant “one” handshape or extending your index finger on your lip. Move it down and open all your fingers on your non-dominant fist.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'promise' is highly visual and combines two distinct concepts. The dominant index finger starting at the lips represents spoken words or telling someone something. As the hand moves down and opens to land flat on the solid non-dominant fist, it visually represents 'sealing' those words, making them firm, binding, and official.
Signing Tips
Focus on the crispness and clarity of the movement. Start with your dominant index finger lightly touching or just in front of your lips. As you bring your dominant hand down, open your fingers smoothly so that your palm lands flat and firmly on top of your non-dominant fist. This solid landing conveys the certainty of a promise.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is keeping the dominant hand in the 'one' (index finger) handshape the entire time. Remember to open your dominant hand into a flat shape as it moves down. Another common error is starting the sign at the chin or nose instead of the lips.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Promise" in a Sentence
1I promise I will help you tomorrow.
Sign 'I', then sign 'promise' by moving your dominant index finger from your lips down to an open hand on your non-dominant fist, followed by 'help', 'you', and 'tomorrow'.
2Did you promise to clean your room?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'promise' exactly as described with a firm landing on your fist, then sign 'clean' and 'room', raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
3It is important to keep your promise.
Sign 'important', then sign 'promise'. You can emphasize the firm downward motion of your dominant hand landing on your fist to show the seriousness and weight of the commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to actually touch my lips with my finger?
You can lightly touch your lips with your index finger, or just hold it slightly in front of them. The important part is that the motion clearly originates from the mouth area to represent spoken words.
Does it matter which hand forms the fist?
Yes, your non-dominant hand should form the stationary fist. Your dominant hand is the one that does the active movement, starting at your lips and moving down to open over the fist.
How hard should my hand land on my fist?
It should be a firm, deliberate landing, but not a painful slap. A solid, crisp stop when your open hand meets your fist helps convey the seriousness and commitment of the promise.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!