How to Sign "Ring"
A small circular band, typically of precious metal, worn on a finger as an ornament
Examples Using "Ring" in a Sentence
1
I love your new ring!
Sign 'I', 'love', 'your', 'new', and then sign 'ring' by sliding your dominant pinched fingers down your non-dominant ring finger.
2
She lost her wedding ring.
Sign 'she', 'lose', 'wedding', and then 'ring'. The sign for ring clearly establishes the object by mimicking how it is worn on the hand.
3
He bought a beautiful diamond ring.
Sign 'he', 'buy', 'beautiful', 'diamond', and finish with 'ring'. Keep your non-dominant hand steady so the action of putting on the ring is clear.
How to Sign "Ring"
A small circular band, typically of precious metal, worn on a finger as an ornament
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the exact real-world action it describes. The dominant hand's thumb and index finger mimic holding a small circular band, while the motion of sliding it down the non-dominant ring finger perfectly imitates putting on a ring.
Signing Tips
Make sure to use the correct finger! Slide your dominant hand's pinched fingers specifically down the ring finger of your non-dominant hand. Keep your non-dominant hand steady and relaxed with the palm facing down to give yourself a clear target.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is sliding the dominant hand down the wrong finger, like the index or middle finger, which can look confusing. Another mistake is grabbing the finger with your whole fist instead of just using your thumb and index finger to represent the small band.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ring" in a Sentence
1I love your new ring!
Sign 'I', 'love', 'your', 'new', and then sign 'ring' by sliding your dominant pinched fingers down your non-dominant ring finger.
2She lost her wedding ring.
Sign 'she', 'lose', 'wedding', and then 'ring'. The sign for ring clearly establishes the object by mimicking how it is worn on the hand.
3He bought a beautiful diamond ring.
Sign 'he', 'buy', 'beautiful', 'diamond', and finish with 'ring'. Keep your non-dominant hand steady so the action of putting on the ring is clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use as the base?
Yes, you should use your non-dominant hand as the base (the hand receiving the ring) and your dominant hand to perform the active motion of sliding the ring onto the finger.
Can I use this sign for a phone ringing?
No, this sign is specifically for the piece of jewelry. To sign a phone ringing or an alarm, you would use a completely different sign that mimics the vibration or sound of a bell.
What if I want to talk about a thumb ring or a pinky ring?
You can easily adapt the sign! Simply slide your dominant thumb and index finger down the specific finger (like the thumb or pinky) where the ring is worn to show exactly what kind of ring you mean.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!