Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Solve"

Start with both hands in front of your chest, using flattened 'O' handshapes where your fingertips are touching your thumbs, and your palms are facing upward. Slide your fingertips across your thumbs as you pull your hands apart and slightly down. Finish the sign with both hands in 'A' handshapes, which look like fists with the thumbs pointing up.

Examples Using "Solve" in a Sentence

1

I need to solve this math problem.

Sign 'MATH' and 'PROBLEM', then use the sign for 'SOLVE' to show the action of figuring it out.

2

Can you help me solve the puzzle?

Point to the person, sign 'HELP', 'ME', then sign 'SOLVE' before signing 'PUZZLE' with an inquiring facial expression.

3

We finally solved the mystery.

Sign 'FINALLY', then use the 'SOLVE' sign with a relieved or satisfied facial expression to show the successful resolution.

How to Sign "Solve"
Start with both hands in front of your chest, using flattened 'O' handshapes where your fingertips are touching your thumbs, and your palms are facing upward. Slide your fingertips across your thumbs as you pull your hands apart and slightly down. Finish the sign with both hands in 'A' handshapes, which look like fists with the thumbs pointing up.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'solve' visually represents taking a complex, tangled issue—represented by the pinched fingers—and breaking it apart or smoothing it out into a clear, resolved state, shown by the firm 'A' handshapes. It shares visual roots with the concepts of melting or dissolving, illustrating a solid problem breaking down into something manageable.
Signing Tips
Focus on the smooth transition from the flattened 'O' to the 'A' handshape. The movement should feel like you are sliding a piece of fabric off your thumbs or unraveling a knot. Keep the motion crisp and deliberate to clearly convey the idea of resolving or breaking down a problem. Practicing this fluid finger-sliding motion will make your signing look much more natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is dropping the hands too far down or not fully closing the fingers into the 'A' handshape at the end. Beginners sometimes just pull their hands apart without changing the handshape at all. Make sure the movement is mostly outward and slightly down, and that your thumbs remain clearly visible at the end of the sign to show the resolution.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Solve" in a Sentence
1

I need to solve this math problem.

Sign 'MATH' and 'PROBLEM', then use the sign for 'SOLVE' to show the action of figuring it out.

2

Can you help me solve the puzzle?

Point to the person, sign 'HELP', 'ME', then sign 'SOLVE' before signing 'PUZZLE' with an inquiring facial expression.

3

We finally solved the mystery.

Sign 'FINALLY', then use the 'SOLVE' sign with a relieved or satisfied facial expression to show the successful resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'solve' the same as 'resolve'?

Yes, the sign for 'solve' is commonly used for 'resolve' as well. The context of your sentence will let the other person know which English word you mean.

Can I use this sign for 'melting'?

Yes! The sign for 'solve' is conceptually related to 'dissolve' or 'melt,' like ice melting into water. The movement is very similar, though 'melt' might be signed a bit slower to show the gradual process.

Does it matter which way my palms face?

Yes, your palms should start facing upward. As you pull your hands apart and transition to the 'A' handshape, your palms naturally turn to face each other or slightly upward.

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