To sign 'sober,' form your dominant hand into an 'S' handshape (a fist with your thumb wrapped across the front of your fingers). Start with your hand just in front of your nose, with your palm facing to the side. Move your hand straight down and slightly forward in a single, firm, and deliberate motion.
Point to yourself for 'I,' perform the sign for 'sober' by moving the 'S' handshape down from your nose, and finish with the signs for 'one' and 'year.'
Point to the person to indicate 'he,' sign 'sober,' and then sign 'driver' by miming holding a steering wheel followed by the person marker.
Point to the person you are asking, sign 'sober,' and make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself for 'I,' perform the sign for 'sober' by moving the 'S' handshape down from your nose, and finish with the signs for 'one' and 'year.'
Point to the person to indicate 'he,' sign 'sober,' and then sign 'driver' by miming holding a steering wheel followed by the person marker.
Point to the person you are asking, sign 'sober,' and make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
While it is most commonly used to indicate someone is not under the influence of alcohol, it can also be used broadly to mean a person is free from the influence of any intoxicating substances.
In English, 'sober' can sometimes mean having a serious or solemn attitude. However, in ASL, you should use the specific sign for 'serious' (twisting the index finger on the chin) for that meaning. This 'S' handshape sign is specifically for sobriety.
No, your hand does not need to physically touch your nose or face. Starting the 'S' handshape just an inch or two in front of your nose before moving it downward is completely correct and looks very natural.
