How to Sign "Throw Away"

To sign 'throw away,' start with your dominant hand in a closed fist near your waist, as if you are holding a small piece of trash. Move your hand forward and slightly to the side in a quick, tossing motion. As your hand moves forward, open your fingers, mimicking the physical action of releasing an object into a garbage can.

Examples Using "Throw Away" in a Sentence

1

Please throw away the garbage.

Sign 'garbage' first, then use a clear, decisive motion for 'throw away' to indicate the action you want completed.

2

I threw away my old notes.

Establish 'notes' and 'old' first, then sign 'throw away.' You can use a slightly larger motion to emphasize getting rid of something you no longer need.

3

Don't throw that away!

Shake your head and sign 'not' or 'don't' before signing 'throw away.' Keep your facial expression stern to convey the command.

How to Sign "Throw Away"
To sign 'throw away,' start with your dominant hand in a closed fist near your waist, as if you are holding a small piece of trash. Move your hand forward and slightly to the side in a quick, tossing motion. As your hand moves forward, open your fingers, mimicking the physical action of releasing an object into a garbage can.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and directly mimics the physical action of disposing of an object. The initial closed fist represents holding a piece of trash, while the forward movement and opening of the fingers visually replicate the act of tossing it away and releasing it.
Signing Tips
Focus on making the movement quick and decisive, just like the actual action of tossing something into the trash. The sign is directional, meaning you can adjust the trajectory of your throw to point toward an actual or imaginary trash can in your signing space. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side, as this is a one-handed sign.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is opening the hand too early before completing the forward movement, which makes the sign look less like a toss and more like a simple hand opening. Another mistake is using a slow, hesitant motion; the sign should be crisp and energetic to accurately convey the action of throwing something away.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Throw Away" in a Sentence
1

Please throw away the garbage.

Sign 'garbage' first, then use a clear, decisive motion for 'throw away' to indicate the action you want completed.

2

I threw away my old notes.

Establish 'notes' and 'old' first, then sign 'throw away.' You can use a slightly larger motion to emphasize getting rid of something you no longer need.

3

Don't throw that away!

Shake your head and sign 'not' or 'don't' before signing 'throw away.' Keep your facial expression stern to convey the command.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign 'throw away' in any direction?

Yes! 'Throw away' is a directional sign. You can move your hand toward the actual location of a trash can in the room, or toward an imaginary bin you've established in your signing space.

Is this sign the same as the noun 'trash' or 'garbage'?

No, they are different. 'Trash' or 'garbage' is a noun with its own specific sign, often involving tapping the wrist or arm. 'Throw away' is the verb used for the action of disposing of the trash.

Does it matter exactly which fingers I open at the end of the sign?

While many signers open their hand into a loose '5' or a '3' handshape, the exact finger configuration is less important than the clear, tossing motion and the visual release of the imaginary object.

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