How to Sign "Strict"

To sign 'strict,' form a bent 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Bring the hand up and firmly strike the bridge of your nose with the middle knuckles or tips of your bent fingers. The movement should be a single, sharp motion, accompanied by a serious facial expression.

Examples Using "Strict" in a Sentence

1

My teacher is very strict.

Sign 'teacher,' then use the sign for 'strict' with a firm movement and a serious facial expression to show intensity.

2

The rules here are strict.

Sign 'rules,' then follow with 'strict,' ensuring the bent 'V' handshape sharply strikes the bridge of your nose.

3

My parents are strict about my bedtime.

After signing 'parents' and 'bedtime,' use the sign for 'strict' to convey that the rule is non-negotiable.

How to Sign "Strict"
To sign 'strict,' form a bent 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Bring the hand up and firmly strike the bridge of your nose with the middle knuckles or tips of your bent fingers. The movement should be a single, sharp motion, accompanied by a serious facial expression.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The firm, sharp strike of the bent 'V' handshape against the bridge of the nose visually represents a hard, unbending attitude or a rigid boundary, perfectly capturing the essence of being strict.
Signing Tips
Make sure the movement is sharp and deliberate. A soft tap won't convey the intensity of the word 'strict.' Always pair this sign with a stern or serious facial expression to match the meaning.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a flat hand or an index finger instead of the bent 'V' handshape. Additionally, make sure you are striking the bridge of your nose and not your chin or forehead.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Strict" in a Sentence
1

My teacher is very strict.

Sign 'teacher,' then use the sign for 'strict' with a firm movement and a serious facial expression to show intensity.

2

The rules here are strict.

Sign 'rules,' then follow with 'strict,' ensuring the bent 'V' handshape sharply strikes the bridge of your nose.

3

My parents are strict about my bedtime.

After signing 'parents' and 'bedtime,' use the sign for 'strict' to convey that the rule is non-negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'hard' as in a difficult test?

No, this sign specifically means 'strict' in the context of rules or a person's demeanor. For 'hard' or 'difficult,' you would use a different sign where both hands form bent 'V' shapes and strike each other.

Do I tap my nose once or twice?

Typically, 'strict' is signed with a single, firm strike to the bridge of the nose to emphasize the rigid and unyielding nature of the word.

Is facial expression important for this sign?

Yes! ASL relies heavily on facial expressions. To accurately convey 'strict,' you should have a serious, stern look on your face while making the sign.

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