Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Sit"

the sign 'sit' uses both hands. ball both hands into fists, with the middle and index fingers still extended and pressed together to create h hand shapes with both hands. bring the non-dominant hand to chest level, with the palm facing downwards. place the dominant hand's fingers across the fingers of the non-dominant hand, so they cross at the knuckles. both palms should be facing downwards. tap the fingers together twice.

Examples Using "Sit" in a Sentence

1

Please sit down.

To sign this, first sign 'please' by rubbing your open dominant hand in a circle on your chest. Then, form your 'H' handshapes and tap your dominant fingers over your non-dominant fingers twice to sign 'sit'.

2

You can sit here.

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'can', and then perform the 'sit' sign by crossing your downward-facing 'H' handshapes. Finish by pointing to the specific spot where they should sit.

3

I need to sit.

Sign 'I' by pointing to yourself, then sign 'need'. Finally, bring your non-dominant 'H' hand to chest level and tap your dominant 'H' fingers across it twice for 'sit'.

How to Sign "Sit"
the sign 'sit' uses both hands. ball both hands into fists, with the middle and index fingers still extended and pressed together to create h hand shapes with both hands. bring the non-dominant hand to chest level, with the palm facing downwards. place the dominant hand's fingers across the fingers of the non-dominant hand, so they cross at the knuckles. both palms should be facing downwards. tap the fingers together twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually looks like the action it represents. Your stationary non-dominant hand acts as the flat surface of a chair, bench, or seat. The dominant hand's extended index and middle fingers represent a person's two legs. When you cross the dominant fingers over the non-dominant ones, it perfectly mimics a person bending their knees and taking a seat.
Signing Tips
For a clear and natural sign, keep your non-dominant hand completely stationary at chest level—think of it as a sturdy bench. Your dominant hand should do all the moving. Ensure your index and middle fingers are pressed tightly together to form the 'H' handshape, and make your double tap crisp and deliberate. Keep your shoulders relaxed so the sign doesn't look stiff.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is letting the fingers spread apart into a 'V' shape instead of keeping them pressed together in an 'H' shape. Another frequent error is moving both hands up and down at the same time; remember that your non-dominant hand must stay still while only the dominant hand moves to perform the tapping motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Sit" in a Sentence
1

Please sit down.

To sign this, first sign 'please' by rubbing your open dominant hand in a circle on your chest. Then, form your 'H' handshapes and tap your dominant fingers over your non-dominant fingers twice to sign 'sit'.

2

You can sit here.

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'can', and then perform the 'sit' sign by crossing your downward-facing 'H' handshapes. Finish by pointing to the specific spot where they should sit.

3

I need to sit.

Sign 'I' by pointing to yourself, then sign 'need'. Finally, bring your non-dominant 'H' hand to chest level and tap your dominant 'H' fingers across it twice for 'sit'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we use the 'H' handshape for this sign?

The 'H' handshape, where the index and middle fingers are extended and kept together, acts as a visual classifier for a person's legs. It perfectly mimics the shape of legs bending over a ledge.

Does it matter which hand goes on top?

Yes, hand dominance matters here. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base or 'chair,' while your dominant hand represents the person sitting and should always be the one crossing on top.

Should my hands be touching?

Yes, your hands should make physical contact. The fingers of your dominant hand should gently tap across the knuckles of your non-dominant hand twice to complete the sign.

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