Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Secret"

To sign "secret," start by forming an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers curled into a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger. Bring your hand up to your face so the thumb is facing your mouth. Gently tap the side of your thumb against your lips twice. The movement should be small and controlled, visually mimicking the act of sealing your lips shut to keep information hidden.

Examples Using "Secret" in a Sentence

1

Can you keep a secret?

To sign this, you would point to the person, sign "keep," and then sign "secret." Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, which is the grammatical marker for asking a yes/no question in ASL.

2

I have a secret to tell you.

Point to yourself to establish the subject, sign "secret," and then use the sign for "tell" by moving your index finger from your chin outward toward the person you are conversing with.

3

It's a top-secret project.

Sign "secret" with a very serious, intense facial expression to emphasize the "top-secret" nature of the information. You can hold the sign slightly longer against your lips to show the gravity of the confidentiality.

How to Sign "Secret"
To sign "secret," start by forming an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers curled into a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger. Bring your hand up to your face so the thumb is facing your mouth. Gently tap the side of your thumb against your lips twice. The movement should be small and controlled, visually mimicking the act of sealing your lips shut to keep information hidden.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "secret" is a wonderful example of iconic motivation in American Sign Language, meaning the gesture visually represents its meaning. By bringing a closed fist to the mouth and placing the thumb over the lips, the sign literally illustrates the concept of sealing one's mouth shut. It conveys the idea that the words are locked away and must not be spoken aloud. This visual metaphor of blocking the mouth perfectly captures the essence of keeping information hidden, confidential, or entirely private from others.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for "secret," focus on maintaining a crisp 'A' handshape with your thumb resting neatly against the side of your curled index finger. Keep the tapping movement small, controlled, and gentle against your lips—there is no need to press hard. Remember that ASL relies heavily on non-manual markers, so let your facial expression match the tone of the secret. A slight smirk or widened eyes can convey a fun surprise, while a stern, lowered brow shows that the information is highly confidential and serious.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is using an extended index finger instead of an 'A' handshape. Placing an index finger over the lips is the universal gesture for "shh" or "quiet," which is a completely different concept in ASL. Another frequent error is tapping the chin or the cheek rather than the lips themselves. To ensure you are signing "secret" correctly, always check that your hand is in a closed fist with the thumb extended, and that the thumb makes direct contact with your lips.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Secret" in a Sentence
1

Can you keep a secret?

To sign this, you would point to the person, sign "keep," and then sign "secret." Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, which is the grammatical marker for asking a yes/no question in ASL.

2

I have a secret to tell you.

Point to yourself to establish the subject, sign "secret," and then use the sign for "tell" by moving your index finger from your chin outward toward the person you are conversing with.

3

It's a top-secret project.

Sign "secret" with a very serious, intense facial expression to emphasize the "top-secret" nature of the information. You can hold the sign slightly longer against your lips to show the gravity of the confidentiality.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for "secret" and "quiet"?

While they are located in the same area, they use different handshapes. "Quiet" or "shh" uses a '1' handshape (the index finger) placed vertically over the lips. "Secret" uses an 'A' handshape, where the thumb taps against the lips to show the mouth is sealed.

Do I tap my lips once or twice when signing "secret"?

For the standard noun form of "secret," you typically tap your thumb against your lips twice. If you use a single, firmer motion and hold it against your lips, it often acts more like a verb or command, meaning "keep this a secret."

How should I use my facial expressions with this sign?

Facial expressions are crucial for setting the context. If it is a fun piece of gossip or a surprise party, you might sign "secret" with a playful smile or wide eyes. If it is sensitive information, use a serious expression with furrowed brows.

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