How to Sign "Separate"

To sign 'separate,' start with both hands in a bent shape, with your fingers together and bent at the knuckles. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so that your knuckles are touching, with your palms facing down. Then, pull your hands apart to the sides, keeping the same handshape. This motion visually represents taking something that is joined and splitting it apart.

Examples Using "Separate" in a Sentence

1

We need to separate the recycling.

Sign 'separate' after indicating the recycling to emphasize the physical action of dividing items into different groups. This clearly shows that the items should not be mixed together.

2

They live in separate houses.

Use the sign for 'separate' to show that the two houses are distinct and not connected. It visually reinforces the idea that the living spaces are completely apart from one another.

3

Let's separate into two teams.

Sign 'separate' to indicate the larger group dividing into smaller sections. You can follow this up with the signs for 'two' and 'team' to complete the instruction clearly.

How to Sign "Separate"
To sign 'separate,' start with both hands in a bent shape, with your fingers together and bent at the knuckles. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so that your knuckles are touching, with your palms facing down. Then, pull your hands apart to the sides, keeping the same handshape. This motion visually represents taking something that is joined and splitting it apart.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'separate' is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the concept it represents. The hands starting together with the knuckles touching represent things that are currently joined, combined, or unified. The deliberate action of pulling the hands apart horizontally visually mimics the physical act of dividing, splitting, or separating a single entity into distinct parts. This visual logic makes it a very intuitive sign for beginners to remember and use correctly.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'separate,' focus on keeping your movements crisp and deliberate. Make sure your knuckles actually touch at the beginning of the sign to clearly establish the starting state of being together. As you pull your hands apart, keep your elbows relatively stable and let your forearms do the work. Maintaining a consistent palm-down orientation throughout the entire movement will help your sign look natural and easy for others to understand.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is dropping their hands downward in an arc instead of pulling them straight apart horizontally. If you drop your hands, it can look like you are signing something else or simply resting your hands. Ensure the movement goes directly outward to the sides. Another mistake is starting with the hands already slightly apart; remember that the contrast between touching and separating is what gives this sign its clear meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Separate" in a Sentence
1

We need to separate the recycling.

Sign 'separate' after indicating the recycling to emphasize the physical action of dividing items into different groups. This clearly shows that the items should not be mixed together.

2

They live in separate houses.

Use the sign for 'separate' to show that the two houses are distinct and not connected. It visually reinforces the idea that the living spaces are completely apart from one another.

3

Let's separate into two teams.

Sign 'separate' to indicate the larger group dividing into smaller sections. You can follow this up with the signs for 'two' and 'team' to complete the instruction clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign used for 'divorce'?

While 'separate' can certainly be used to talk about a couple separating or living apart, there is a specific and distinct sign for 'divorce' that uses 'D' handshapes. It is best to use 'separate' for the general concept of dividing, sorting, or moving things apart.

Can I use this sign for the word 'apart'?

Yes, this sign is commonly used for the concept of 'apart' as well. You can use it in phrases like 'take it apart' or when describing two objects that are kept apart. The visual meaning of dividing applies perfectly to both English words.

Does the speed of the sign change its meaning?

Yes, the speed and intensity of your movement can add nuance. Signing it quickly and sharply can emphasize a sudden, forceful, or urgent separation. Conversely, a slower, smoother movement might indicate a gradual drifting apart or a careful, methodical sorting process.

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