How to Sign "Record"

To sign 'record,' start by holding both hands up in front of your chest with your palms facing forward. Spread your fingers apart and bend your middle fingers forward, creating an 'open 8' handshape on both hands. From this position, move both hands slightly forward and down in a deliberate motion. Ensure your palms remain facing outward throughout the sign.

Examples Using "Record" in a Sentence

1

I want to record a video.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'want,' then use this sign for 'record,' followed by 'video.' This specific sign is perfect for talking about capturing digital media like a video or an audio clip.

2

Did you record the lecture?

Sign 'You,' 'record,' and 'lecture,' making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question. This is a natural way to ask if an event was captured on camera or audio.

3

We need to record this moment.

Sign 'We,' 'need,' 'record,' 'this,' and 'moment.' Use this sign to express the idea of capturing a special memory digitally, keeping the movement smooth and directed forward.

How to Sign "Record"
To sign 'record,' start by holding both hands up in front of your chest with your palms facing forward. Spread your fingers apart and bend your middle fingers forward, creating an 'open 8' handshape on both hands. From this position, move both hands slightly forward and down in a deliberate motion. Ensure your palms remain facing outward throughout the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This specific variation for 'record' utilizes the 'open 8' handshape, which in American Sign Language is frequently associated with technology, digital media, or sensory input. The forward-facing palms and the deliberate forward motion visually represent the act of capturing or taking in information from the environment, much like a camera lens or a microphone focusing on a subject to create a digital recording.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'record,' focus on getting the 'open 8' handshape right before adding the movement. Keep your hands relaxed but ensure the middle fingers are clearly bent forward while the other fingers stay extended and spread apart. The forward and downward motion should be smooth and controlled, as if you are directing a camera or recording device toward a subject. Practice in front of a mirror to check your palm orientation.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make with this sign is bending the index fingers instead of the middle fingers, which changes the handshape entirely. Another common error is turning the palms to face inward toward the body rather than outward toward the subject being recorded. Make sure your palms are clearly facing forward. Finally, avoid making the forward movement too large or aggressive; keep it a subtle, controlled motion in front of your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Record" in a Sentence
1

I want to record a video.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'want,' then use this sign for 'record,' followed by 'video.' This specific sign is perfect for talking about capturing digital media like a video or an audio clip.

2

Did you record the lecture?

Sign 'You,' 'record,' and 'lecture,' making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question. This is a natural way to ask if an event was captured on camera or audio.

3

We need to record this moment.

Sign 'We,' 'need,' 'record,' 'this,' and 'moment.' Use this sign to express the idea of capturing a special memory digitally, keeping the movement smooth and directed forward.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a vinyl record?

No, this sign is typically used for digital recording, such as capturing video or audio. If you are talking about a vinyl music record, you would use a completely different sign that involves an 'R' handshape circling over your flat, non-dominant palm.

Is this the same sign as keeping a written record?

No, ASL uses different signs depending on the context. If you mean 'record' in the sense of documenting something on paper or keeping a written log, you would use a sign where your dominant hand presses down onto your flat non-dominant palm.

Does it matter which fingers are bent in this sign?

Yes, it is very important to only bend your middle fingers to form the 'open 8' handshape. Bending your index fingers or curling all your fingers will result in a different handshape, which could confuse the person you are signing with.

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