How to Sign "Second"
A very short time
Examples Using "Second" in a Sentence
1
Wait a second!
To sign this, you can use the sign for 'WAIT' followed by 'SECOND'. The quick tick of the sign emphasizes that you only need a brief moment.
2
I will be ready in five seconds.
Sign 'I', 'READY', 'FIVE', and then 'SECOND'. Notice how you sign the number first, followed by the unit of time to specify exactly how long.
3
There are sixty seconds in a minute.
You would sign 'ONE', 'MINUTE', 'HAVE', 'SIXTY', 'SECOND'. This sequence clearly establishes the relationship between the two units of time using the appropriate ticking signs.
How to Sign "Second"
A very short time
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'second' is a wonderful example of iconic motivation in ASL, meaning the sign visually resembles the concept it represents. In this case, your non-dominant hand acts as the flat, stationary face of a clock or watch. Your dominant index finger represents the 'second hand' of the timepiece. The quick, short pivot forward perfectly mimics the mechanical ticking motion of a clock advancing by a single second, making the concept highly visual and easy to remember.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for 'second' cleanly, focus on keeping the movement small and precise. Since a second is a very short unit of time, the 'tick' of your index finger should be a brief, sharp pivot forward at the wrist. Make sure your non-dominant hand stays perfectly still to act as a stable clock face. It helps to keep your dominant hand's palm resting lightly but firmly against the non-dominant hand so the pivot looks controlled and deliberate.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is moving their entire dominant arm instead of just pivoting at the wrist. The motion should be isolated to the wrist to accurately mimic a clock's small mechanical tick. Another common error is using a flat handshape for the dominant hand; ensure only your index finger is extended in a clear '1' handshape. Finally, be careful not to move the index finger too far forward, as a larger movement changes the meaning to 'minute'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Second" in a Sentence
1Wait a second!
To sign this, you can use the sign for 'WAIT' followed by 'SECOND'. The quick tick of the sign emphasizes that you only need a brief moment.
2I will be ready in five seconds.
Sign 'I', 'READY', 'FIVE', and then 'SECOND'. Notice how you sign the number first, followed by the unit of time to specify exactly how long.
3There are sixty seconds in a minute.
You would sign 'ONE', 'MINUTE', 'HAVE', 'SIXTY', 'SECOND'. This sequence clearly establishes the relationship between the two units of time using the appropriate ticking signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for 'second' and 'minute'?
Both signs use the same base setup with your non-dominant flat hand and your dominant '1' handshape. The difference lies in the size of the movement. For 'second,' the index finger makes a tiny, quick tick forward. For 'minute,' the index finger moves further, ticking about a quarter of the way forward.
Can I use this sign to mean 'second place' in a race?
No, this specific sign is only used for the measurement of time. If you want to talk about coming in 'second place' or the second item in a sequence, you would use a '2' handshape and twist your wrist inward, which is the sign for the ordinal number 'second'.
Do I always need to sign the number 'one' before signing 'second'?
If you are simply saying 'wait a second,' the sign for 'second' alone is usually enough, as the single tick implies one unit. However, if you are emphasizing the exact quantity or using a different number like 'ten seconds,' you should sign the number immediately before the sign for 'second'.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!