How to Sign "Soon"
To sign 'soon', splay the fingers of the hand. Press the tip of the pointer finger and the thumb together to make a circle with your hand. Tap the place where the fingertips meet to the chin.
Examples Using "Soon" in a Sentence
1
I will see you soon.
Sign 'I', 'see', 'you', and then finish by tapping your chin with your thumb and pointer finger joined together to sign 'soon'.
2
Dinner will be ready soon.
After signing 'dinner' and 'ready', use your dominant hand to tap your chin with the joined tips of your thumb and pointer finger.
3
Please reply soon.
Sign 'please', then 'reply', and emphasize the urgency slightly by tapping the 'soon' handshape firmly against your chin.
How to Sign "Soon"
To sign 'soon', splay the fingers of the hand. Press the tip of the pointer finger and the thumb together to make a circle with your hand. Tap the place where the fingertips meet to the chin.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign for 'soon' utilizes the F-handshape on the chin and is visually related to other time-based signs that occur around the face. The short, quick tapping motion near the mouth reflects the brief, fleeting amount of time before an event is about to occur or be realized.
Signing Tips
Keep your middle, ring, and pinky fingers comfortably spread out while your index finger and thumb form a circle. Make sure the tapping motion is light and crisp against your chin. You generally only need to tap it twice to clearly convey the meaning. Pair this with an expectant facial expression.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using the wrong handshape, like a closed fist, instead of the specific circle made by the thumb and pointer finger. Another common error is tapping the cheek or the mouth instead of the chin. Ensure the joined fingertips make direct contact right on your chin.
Regional Variations
A widely used alternative sign for 'soon' involves using the H-handshape (index and middle fingers) of your dominant hand to slide back and forth along the top edge of your non-dominant index finger. Both the chin-tap variation and the sliding-hands variation are correct and widely understood.
Examples Using "Soon" in a Sentence
1I will see you soon.
Sign 'I', 'see', 'you', and then finish by tapping your chin with your thumb and pointer finger joined together to sign 'soon'.
2Dinner will be ready soon.
After signing 'dinner' and 'ready', use your dominant hand to tap your chin with the joined tips of your thumb and pointer finger.
3Please reply soon.
Sign 'please', then 'reply', and emphasize the urgency slightly by tapping the 'soon' handshape firmly against your chin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'soon'?
You should always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the circle with your thumb and pointer finger and tap your chin.
How many times should I tap my chin?
Typically, you tap your chin twice in a quick, light motion. A single, more deliberate tap can sometimes be used to emphasize that something is happening right away.
Is this the same handshape used for the letter F?
Yes! The handshape described—where the index finger and thumb touch to form a circle while the other three fingers are splayed—is the exact same handshape used for the letter 'F' in the ASL alphabet.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!