How to Sign "Safety"

To sign 'safety', form both hands into 'S' handshapes. Cross your wrists in front of your chest with your palms facing your body. Then, uncross your arms by pulling your hands apart and outward to the sides, turning your palms to face forward. The movement should be firm and deliberate.

Examples Using "Safety" in a Sentence

1

Safety is important.

To express this, sign 'safety' followed by the sign for 'important'. Your facial expression should convey seriousness.

2

Keep your safety belt on.

Sign 'keep', 'safety', and then mime the action of pulling a seatbelt across your chest and clicking it in.

3

I feel safe here.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'feel', sign 'safety' (which also means 'safe'), and finish with the sign for 'here'.

How to Sign "Safety"
To sign 'safety', form both hands into 'S' handshapes. Cross your wrists in front of your chest with your palms facing your body. Then, uncross your arms by pulling your hands apart and outward to the sides, turning your palms to face forward. The movement should be firm and deliberate.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'safety' visually represents the concept of being bound or restrained—shown by the crossed wrists—and then breaking free from those bonds to reach a state of freedom, security, and safety.
Signing Tips
Make sure to use strong, tight 'S' handshapes to convey the solid, secure nature of the word. Keep the uncrossing movement crisp and deliberate to emphasize the feeling of security.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using open hands or loose fists instead of strict 'S' handshapes. Additionally, ensure you start with your wrists clearly crossed; starting with your hands simply close together won't convey the full meaning of the sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Safety" in a Sentence
1

Safety is important.

To express this, sign 'safety' followed by the sign for 'important'. Your facial expression should convey seriousness.

2

Keep your safety belt on.

Sign 'keep', 'safety', and then mime the action of pulling a seatbelt across your chest and clicking it in.

3

I feel safe here.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'feel', sign 'safety' (which also means 'safe'), and finish with the sign for 'here'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'safety' the same as 'safe'?

Yes, the sign for 'safety' and 'safe' is exactly the same. The specific meaning—whether it's a noun or an adjective—is understood from the context of your sentence.

Does it matter which arm is on top when I cross my wrists?

It doesn't strictly matter which arm is on top, but most signers naturally cross their dominant hand over their non-dominant hand. Do whichever feels most comfortable for you.

Can I sign 'safety' with just one hand?

No, 'safety' is a two-handed symmetrical sign. Using both hands is necessary to accurately show the crossing and uncrossing motion that gives the sign its meaning.

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