How to Sign "Suppose"

To sign 'suppose', form an 'I' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your pinky finger and keeping your other fingers curled. Bring your hand up to your face with your palm facing inward. Gently tap the tip of your pinky finger against your upper cheekbone, just below your eye, twice.

Examples Using "Suppose" in a Sentence

1

Suppose it rains tomorrow?

Sign 'suppose' by tapping your pinky on your cheek, then sign 'rain' and 'tomorrow' while raising your eyebrows to show it's a hypothetical question.

2

I suppose we could go.

Use the 'suppose' sign to show consideration, followed by 'we', 'can', and 'go', keeping a neutral or thoughtful facial expression.

3

Suppose you win the game!

Sign 'suppose' with an excited facial expression, followed by 'you', 'win', and 'game' to convey a thrilling hypothetical scenario.

How to Sign "Suppose"
To sign 'suppose', form an 'I' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your pinky finger and keeping your other fingers curled. Bring your hand up to your face with your palm facing inward. Gently tap the tip of your pinky finger against your upper cheekbone, just below your eye, twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'suppose' is also used for 'if'. Its location near the eye and brain suggests a thought or idea being visualized, while the light tapping motion reflects the tentative, hypothetical nature of considering a possibility.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement small and localized to your wrist. Ensure only your pinky finger is extended to maintain a clear 'I' handshape. Always pair this sign with appropriate facial expressions, like raised eyebrows, to convey the hypothetical nature of the word.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the index finger instead of the pinky, which can look like the signs for 'candy' or 'apple'. Another mistake is tapping too low on the cheek or forgetting to use a questioning facial expression.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Suppose" in a Sentence
1

Suppose it rains tomorrow?

Sign 'suppose' by tapping your pinky on your cheek, then sign 'rain' and 'tomorrow' while raising your eyebrows to show it's a hypothetical question.

2

I suppose we could go.

Use the 'suppose' sign to show consideration, followed by 'we', 'can', and 'go', keeping a neutral or thoughtful facial expression.

3

Suppose you win the game!

Sign 'suppose' with an excited facial expression, followed by 'you', 'win', and 'game' to convey a thrilling hypothetical scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'suppose' the same as 'if'?

Yes, in ASL, the sign for 'suppose' is the exact same sign used for 'if'. The context of your sentence and your facial expressions will clarify the meaning.

Do I need to tap my cheek once or twice?

Tapping twice is the standard way to sign 'suppose'. While tapping once might be seen in very fast, fluent signing, sticking to a clear double tap is best for beginners.

Should I use my dominant or non-dominant hand?

You should use your dominant hand for this sign. Since it is a one-handed sign, your dominant hand is the standard choice for clear and natural communication.

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