Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Still"

The sign 'still' uses both hands. Press the index, middle, and ring fingers down on both hands, leaving the thumb and pinkie fingers outstretched in the Y hand shape. With the palms facing towards you and the thumbs pointed up, rotate the hands at the wrists so they go down and out. Press the tips of the two thumbs together.

Examples Using "Still" in a Sentence

1

Are you still working on that project?

Sign 'still' by forming 'Y' hands, rotating them down and out, and bringing the thumbs together, followed by the signs for 'work' and 'project' with a questioning facial expression.

2

It is still raining outside.

Start with the sign for 'rain', then emphasize that it continues by using the 'still' sign, making sure your 'Y' hand thumbs meet at the end of the downward rotation.

3

I still live in the same house.

Point to yourself for 'I', perform the 'still' sign with the specific wrist rotation and thumb touch, and then sign 'live' and 'house'.

How to Sign "Still"
The sign 'still' uses both hands. Press the index, middle, and ring fingers down on both hands, leaving the thumb and pinkie fingers outstretched in the Y hand shape. With the palms facing towards you and the thumbs pointed up, rotate the hands at the wrists so they go down and out. Press the tips of the two thumbs together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual logic of this sign relies on the 'Y' handshapes moving forward and anchoring together. The sweeping motion represents the continuation of time or an ongoing state, while bringing the thumbs together at the end visually signifies that the situation remains firmly in place or unchanged up to the present moment.
Signing Tips
Focus on the fluidity of the wrist rotation. Start with your 'Y' hands facing you, and let the movement naturally carry your hands down and outward. Make sure your thumbs and pinkies are fully extended so the 'Y' shape is clear. The final touch of the thumbs should be gentle but deliberate, anchoring the end of the sign.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping the hands too rigid or moving the whole arm instead of isolating the rotation at the wrists. Beginners also sometimes forget to bring the thumbs together at the end of the movement, or they accidentally shake the 'Y' hands, which looks like the sign for 'play' instead of the smooth motion required for 'still'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Still" in a Sentence
1

Are you still working on that project?

Sign 'still' by forming 'Y' hands, rotating them down and out, and bringing the thumbs together, followed by the signs for 'work' and 'project' with a questioning facial expression.

2

It is still raining outside.

Start with the sign for 'rain', then emphasize that it continues by using the 'still' sign, making sure your 'Y' hand thumbs meet at the end of the downward rotation.

3

I still live in the same house.

Point to yourself for 'I', perform the 'still' sign with the specific wrist rotation and thumb touch, and then sign 'live' and 'house'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do my thumbs have to touch at the end of the sign?

Yes, for this specific variation of 'still', pressing the tips of your two thumbs together at the end of the downward and outward rotation is an important part of completing the sign.

Should my palms face me the whole time?

You start with your palms facing towards you. As you rotate your hands at the wrists down and out, the orientation naturally shifts so that your thumbs can meet in the center.

How is this different from the sign for 'play'?

While both signs use the 'Y' handshape, 'play' involves shaking the hands back and forth. 'Still' requires a smooth, single rotation down and out, ending with the thumbs touching.

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