How to Sign "Rule"

Hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing sideways and fingers pointing up, like a piece of paper. Form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your index and middle fingers. Tap the fingertips of your 'R' hand against the top part of your non-dominant palm, then move it down to tap the bottom part of the palm.

Examples Using "Rule" in a Sentence

1

What is the new rule?

Sign 'new', then 'rule' by tapping your 'R' hand down your non-dominant palm, and finally 'what'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows since this is a 'wh-' question.

2

You must follow the rules.

Sign 'you', 'must', 'follow', and 'rule'. For the plural 'rules', you can simply sign 'rule' and rely on the context of the sentence, or add the sign for 'many'.

3

That rule is unfair.

Point to your imaginary subject, sign 'rule' with clear, firm taps on your non-dominant hand, and then sign 'unfair'. Use a displeased facial expression to match the tone.

How to Sign "Rule"
Hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing sideways and fingers pointing up, like a piece of paper. Form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your index and middle fingers. Tap the fingertips of your 'R' hand against the top part of your non-dominant palm, then move it down to tap the bottom part of the palm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized version of the ASL sign for 'law'. The flat non-dominant hand visually represents a piece of paper or a formal document. The dominant hand uses the 'R' handshape to represent the English word 'rule', tapping on the 'document' to show that it is an established, written regulation.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand steady and flat, acting as a stationary document. Make sure your 'R' handshape is clearly formed with the index and middle fingers crossed. The movement should consist of two distinct taps (top, then bottom) rather than a continuous slide down the hand.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is sliding the 'R' hand down the palm instead of making two distinct taps. Another common error is using an 'L' handshape instead of an 'R', which changes the meaning of the sign entirely to 'law'. Ensure your non-dominant palm is facing sideways, not upward.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Rule" in a Sentence
1

What is the new rule?

Sign 'new', then 'rule' by tapping your 'R' hand down your non-dominant palm, and finally 'what'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows since this is a 'wh-' question.

2

You must follow the rules.

Sign 'you', 'must', 'follow', and 'rule'. For the plural 'rules', you can simply sign 'rule' and rely on the context of the sentence, or add the sign for 'many'.

3

That rule is unfair.

Point to your imaginary subject, sign 'rule' with clear, firm taps on your non-dominant hand, and then sign 'unfair'. Use a displeased facial expression to match the tone.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'rule' and 'law' in ASL?

Both signs use the exact same movement and location, tapping on the flat non-dominant palm. The only difference is the handshape: 'rule' uses an 'R' handshape, while 'law' uses an 'L' handshape.

Can I use this sign for a king 'ruling' a country?

No, this sign specifically means a regulation, guideline, or written rule. If you want to talk about a king ruling or governing a country, you would use the sign for 'control', 'manage', or 'lead'.

Do I need to sign 'rule' multiple times to say 'rules'?

Usually, the context of your sentence is enough to indicate plurality. You can also add a sign like 'many' before or after 'rule'. You do not need to repeat the tapping motion extra times for the plural form.

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