How to Sign "Stop"
To make the sign stop, take both your hands in the closed 5 handshape. Place your dominant hand horizontally and your non dominant hand palms up. Then you will firmly place your dominant hand on top of your non dominant hand.
Examples Using "Stop" in a Sentence
1
Please stop doing that.
Sign 'PLEASE' by rubbing your chest in a circle, then sharply bring your dominant flat hand down onto your non-dominant upward-facing palm to sign 'STOP'.
2
Stop the car right here.
Sign 'CAR' by mimicking a steering wheel, then use a firm, decisive motion for 'STOP' by striking your non-dominant palm, followed by pointing down for 'HERE'.
3
I can't stop laughing!
Sign 'LAUGH', shake your head while signing 'CAN'T', and finally sign 'STOP' by bringing your dominant hand down onto your upward-facing palm.
How to Sign "Stop"
To make the sign stop, take both your hands in the closed 5 handshape. Place your dominant hand horizontally and your non dominant hand palms up. Then you will firmly place your dominant hand on top of your non dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the concept it describes. The non-dominant hand acts as a base representing an ongoing action or path, while the dominant hand acts as a sudden, physical barrier coming down to chop it off or block it. It perfectly mimics the idea of halting progress or cutting something short.
Signing Tips
To make your sign clear and authoritative, use a sharp, crisp movement when bringing your dominant hand down. The firmness of the strike conveys the intensity of the command. If you want to say 'stop it right now!', make the movement faster and more forceful, accompanied by a serious, firm facial expression.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bouncing the dominant hand after it hits the non-dominant palm. The sign for 'stop' should be a single, definitive strike where the hand stays in place. Another mistake is using a fist instead of the closed 5 handshape; keep your fingers flat and together to properly form the visual barrier.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Stop" in a Sentence
1Please stop doing that.
Sign 'PLEASE' by rubbing your chest in a circle, then sharply bring your dominant flat hand down onto your non-dominant upward-facing palm to sign 'STOP'.
2Stop the car right here.
Sign 'CAR' by mimicking a steering wheel, then use a firm, decisive motion for 'STOP' by striking your non-dominant palm, followed by pointing down for 'HERE'.
3I can't stop laughing!
Sign 'LAUGH', shake your head while signing 'CAN'T', and finally sign 'STOP' by bringing your dominant hand down onto your upward-facing palm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'stop' and 'finish'?
Yes! 'Stop' uses the chopping motion on your palm to mean halting an action. 'Finish' (or 'done') uses both hands facing you, then flipping outward to show that an event is completely over or completed.
How hard should I hit my hand?
You don't need to hit your hand hard enough to hurt! A firm, crisp tap is enough to convey the meaning. The intensity of the stop is usually shown more through your facial expression and the speed of the sign rather than physical force.
Can I use this sign for a stop sign on the road?
Yes, you can use this sign to refer to a physical stop sign, though sometimes Deaf individuals will simply fingerspell S-T-O-P when specifically referring to the red octagonal traffic sign.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!