How to Sign "Stand"

To sign 'stand,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up to represent a surface. Form an upside-down 'V' shape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers downward. Place the tips of your dominant index and middle fingers onto the palm of your non-dominant hand, just like a pair of legs standing up.

Examples Using "Stand" in a Sentence

1

Please stand up.

Sign 'please' by rubbing your open dominant hand in a circle on your chest, then use the sign for 'stand' by placing your upside-down 'V' fingers onto your flat non-dominant palm.

2

I have to stand all day at work.

After signing 'I have to,' use the sign for 'stand.' You can hold the 'stand' sign slightly longer or press the fingers down firmly to emphasize the duration of standing.

3

Stand over there.

First, sign 'stand' by placing your two fingers on your palm. Then, immediately point your dominant index finger toward the specific location where you want the person to go.

How to Sign "Stand"
To sign 'stand,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up to represent a surface. Form an upside-down 'V' shape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers downward. Place the tips of your dominant index and middle fingers onto the palm of your non-dominant hand, just like a pair of legs standing up.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually intuitive. Your flat non-dominant hand acts as a classifier representing a flat surface, like the ground or a floor. The two extended fingers of your dominant hand represent a person's two legs. Bringing them together perfectly mimics the physical act of standing.
Signing Tips
Think of your non-dominant hand as the floor and your dominant hand as a person's legs. Keep your non-dominant hand completely still while signing to show a stable surface. Ensure your index and middle fingers are straight when they touch your palm to clearly convey standing rather than kneeling.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bending the index and middle fingers when they touch the palm. Bending the fingers changes the meaning to 'kneel' or 'sit.' Another mistake is moving the non-dominant hand; remember that the 'floor' should remain stationary while the 'legs' do the moving.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Stand" in a Sentence
1

Please stand up.

Sign 'please' by rubbing your open dominant hand in a circle on your chest, then use the sign for 'stand' by placing your upside-down 'V' fingers onto your flat non-dominant palm.

2

I have to stand all day at work.

After signing 'I have to,' use the sign for 'stand.' You can hold the 'stand' sign slightly longer or press the fingers down firmly to emphasize the duration of standing.

3

Stand over there.

First, sign 'stand' by placing your two fingers on your palm. Then, immediately point your dominant index finger toward the specific location where you want the person to go.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say 'I can't stand him'?

No, this sign is only used for the physical action of standing on your feet. To say you can't tolerate or 'stand' someone, you would use a completely different sign, usually involving the thumb flicking outward from the nose or chin.

How do I sign 'stand up' versus just 'stand'?

The sign is the same for both! To emphasize the action of getting up, you can start with your dominant 'V' handshape slightly above your non-dominant hand and bring it down firmly onto the palm to show the completion of standing up.

Does it matter which hand is the 'floor'?

Yes, you should always use your non-dominant hand as the stationary 'floor' and your dominant hand as the 'legs.' This follows the general ASL rule where the dominant hand performs the primary action while the non-dominant hand acts as the base.

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