Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Quieter"

To sign 'quieter,' you will combine the base sign for 'quiet' with the ASL suffix for '-er.' First, cross your flat, open hands in front of your mouth or upper chest. Then, bring them downward and apart in a smooth, calming motion, ending with your palms facing down. Immediately after, form an 'A' handshape (a fist with your thumb pointing straight up) with your dominant hand and move it upward to indicate 'more' or the '-er' ending.

Examples Using "Quieter" in a Sentence

1

Please be quieter.

Sign 'PLEASE', then 'QUIETER'. Make sure to use a gentle, polite facial expression, and ensure the downward motion of the 'quiet' portion is smooth and calming before transitioning into the upward thumb motion for the '-er' suffix.

2

This library is much quieter.

Sign 'THIS', 'LIBRARY', and then 'QUIETER'. To emphasize the word 'much', you can make the downward motion of 'quiet' slightly larger and slower, showing that the level of silence is significantly greater here.

3

I need a quieter place to work.

Sign 'I', 'NEED', 'QUIETER', 'PLACE', 'WORK'. The '-er' suffix is crucial here to show you are comparing a new, desired location to your current, presumably noisier, environment.

How to Sign "Quieter"
To sign 'quieter,' you will combine the base sign for 'quiet' with the ASL suffix for '-er.' First, cross your flat, open hands in front of your mouth or upper chest. Then, bring them downward and apart in a smooth, calming motion, ending with your palms facing down. Immediately after, form an 'A' handshape (a fist with your thumb pointing straight up) with your dominant hand and move it upward to indicate 'more' or the '-er' ending.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of how ASL combines a root word with a grammatical suffix. The first part of the sign, 'quiet,' is highly iconic: your hands cross over your mouth and press downward, visually representing the act of suppressing noise and creating a calm, settled environment. The second part is the standard ASL suffix for '-er.' The upward movement of the thumb visually represents an increase in degree, elevating the base adjective to a comparative state.
Signing Tips
When signing 'quieter,' focus on the contrast between the two movements. The first part, 'quiet,' should be a smooth, downward, and calming motion that visually represents settling noise. The second part, the '-er' suffix, is a crisp, upward movement with your dominant thumb. Practicing a fluid transition between the flat hands of 'quiet' and the 'A' handshape of the suffix will make your signing look much more natural. Always remember to match your facial expression to the tone of the situation.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is forgetting to add the upward thumb motion entirely, which changes the meaning from 'quieter' to just 'quiet.' Another frequent error is making the downward motion of 'quiet' too fast, sharp, or aggressive. Since the word relates to calmness and silence, a harsh movement contradicts the meaning. Finally, make sure your hands cross in front of your mouth or chest initially; starting the sign too low makes it harder to read.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Quieter" in a Sentence
1

Please be quieter.

Sign 'PLEASE', then 'QUIETER'. Make sure to use a gentle, polite facial expression, and ensure the downward motion of the 'quiet' portion is smooth and calming before transitioning into the upward thumb motion for the '-er' suffix.

2

This library is much quieter.

Sign 'THIS', 'LIBRARY', and then 'QUIETER'. To emphasize the word 'much', you can make the downward motion of 'quiet' slightly larger and slower, showing that the level of silence is significantly greater here.

3

I need a quieter place to work.

Sign 'I', 'NEED', 'QUIETER', 'PLACE', 'WORK'. The '-er' suffix is crucial here to show you are comparing a new, desired location to your current, presumably noisier, environment.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need to add the thumbs-up part?

Yes, if you specifically mean 'quieter' rather than just 'quiet.' That upward thumb motion is the ASL suffix for '-er,' which changes the adjective into a comparative word. Without it, you are only signing 'quiet.'

Can I just sign 'MORE' and then 'QUIET'?

While 'MORE QUIET' would likely be understood by most signers, using the specific '-er' suffix (the upward moving thumb) is the more natural, efficient, and grammatically correct way to express comparative adjectives like 'quieter' in ASL.

Does my facial expression matter for this sign?

Absolutely! ASL relies heavily on non-manual markers. If you are asking someone to be quieter, a polite but firm expression is appropriate. If you are expressing relief at a quieter room, your face should look relaxed and peaceful.

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