How to Sign "Quickly"
To sign 'quickly,' start with both hands in front of your chest in 'L' handshapes, with your thumbs pointing up and index fingers pointing forward. Quickly snap your index fingers back into a hook shape (like an 'X' handshape) while pulling your hands slightly back towards your body. The movement should be sharp and fast to reflect the meaning of the word.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'quickly' is highly iconic, visually representing the abstract concept of speed and suddenness. The sharp, rapid snapping back of the index fingers mimics a quick, reflexive action. Some learners find it helpful to imagine pulling back sharply on the reins of a horse to make it stop instantly, or the sudden snap of a whip. This sudden, forceful retraction perfectly embodies the idea of something happening in a flash, making the physical execution of the sign a direct reflection of its meaning.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for 'quickly' effectively, ensure that the speed and intensity of your movement match the meaning of the word. The snapping motion of your index fingers should be brisk, sharp, and deliberate. Keep your elbows relatively still, allowing the movement to isolate in your wrists and fingers. Pairing the sign with a focused, urgent, or intense facial expression helps convey just how quickly something is happening. Remember that in ASL, how you perform the sign often carries as much meaning as the sign itself.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is performing the sign too slowly or gently, which directly contradicts the core meaning of 'quickly.' If the movement is sluggish, the sign loses its impact. Another common error is moving the entire arm excessively from the shoulder, rather than keeping the motion focused on the sharp snap of the fingers and a slight, quick pull of the wrists. Make sure your thumbs stay pointing up throughout the sign, rather than collapsing them into your palms, to maintain the correct handshape.
Regional Variations
Another common variation for 'fast' or 'quickly' involves flicking the thumbs up from under the index fingers, similar to flipping a coin. However, the snapping 'L' handshape shown here is widely recognized and used across North America.
Examples Using "Quickly" in a Sentence
1We need to leave quickly.
Sign 'WE', 'NEED', 'LEAVE', and then use the sharp snapping motion of 'QUICKLY' to emphasize the urgency of the departure.
2She learned the rules quickly.
Sign 'SHE', 'LEARN', 'RULES', followed by 'QUICKLY'. Make sure the sign for 'quickly' is brisk to match the context of fast learning.
3Please finish your work quickly.
Sign 'PLEASE', 'FINISH', 'WORK', and then 'QUICKLY'. Your facial expression should convey a polite but firm request for speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'quickly' the same as 'fast'?
Yes, in ASL, the same sign is used for both 'quickly' and 'fast.' The exact English translation will depend on the context of your sentence.
Can I sign 'quickly' with just one hand?
While it is technically a two-handed sign, you might see it signed with one hand in casual, everyday conversation, especially if the signer's other hand is occupied. For beginners, it is best to practice using both hands.
How do I show that something happened *very* quickly?
To emphasize extreme speed, make the snapping motion of your fingers even sharper and faster. You can also add a non-manual signal, such as widening your eyes or slightly parting your lips, to show intensity.
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