To sign 'step', start with both hands in flat handshapes, palms facing down and fingers pointing forward. Move one hand forward and slightly upward in a small arc, then do the same with the other hand, placing it ahead of the first. This alternating motion mimics the action of feet taking steps.
To sign this, angle the alternating hand movements upward to clearly show the physical action of climbing a flight of stairs.
Sign 'one', then use the alternating flat hands moving straight forward to show the physical action of taking a single step.
Sign 'careful' or 'watch', followed by the sign for 'step' to warn someone about their footing on a slippery surface.
To sign this, angle the alternating hand movements upward to clearly show the physical action of climbing a flight of stairs.
Sign 'one', then use the alternating flat hands moving straight forward to show the physical action of taking a single step.
Sign 'careful' or 'watch', followed by the sign for 'step' to warn someone about their footing on a slippery surface.
While this sign is primarily used for physical steps or stairs, ASL often uses a different method—like pointing to the fingers on your non-dominant hand—to list out steps in a process, plan, or set of instructions.
No, it doesn't strictly matter which hand takes the first 'step.' Most signers naturally start the movement with their dominant hand, but either way is perfectly understood by fluent signers.
You can easily modify the direction of the sign! Instead of moving your hands forward and upward, move them forward and downward in alternating arcs to visually demonstrate descending a staircase.
