How to Sign "Till"

Form both hands into '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the index finger pointing straight up. Then, arc your dominant index finger forward and down until its tip touches the tip of your non-dominant index finger.

Examples Using "Till" in a Sentence

1

I will wait till tomorrow.

Sign 'WAIT', then use the sign for 'TILL' by arcing your dominant index finger to meet your stationary non-dominant index finger, followed by 'TOMORROW'.

2

We are open till 5 PM.

Sign 'OPEN', then use the 'TILL' sign to show the continuation of time up to the deadline, and finally sign 'TIME 5'.

3

Keep driving till you see the stop sign.

Sign 'DRIVE CONTINUE', then 'TILL' to mark the endpoint of the action, followed by 'SEE', 'STOP', and 'SIGN'.

How to Sign "Till"
Form both hands into '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the index finger pointing straight up. Then, arc your dominant index finger forward and down until its tip touches the tip of your non-dominant index finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'till' (which is the same as 'until') is highly visual and conceptual. The stationary non-dominant index finger represents a specific deadline, boundary, or point in time. The dominant index finger arcing forward represents the progression of time moving right up to that exact boundary and stopping.
Signing Tips
Ensure the movement of your dominant hand clearly arcs forward to meet the stationary non-dominant hand. This arcing motion visually represents the passage of time moving forward to a specific endpoint. Keep your non-dominant hand perfectly steady as the destination.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands toward each other. Remember that the non-dominant hand should stay completely still, acting as the fixed point in time, while only the dominant hand moves. Another mistake is using flat hands instead of isolating just the index fingers.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Till" in a Sentence
1

I will wait till tomorrow.

Sign 'WAIT', then use the sign for 'TILL' by arcing your dominant index finger to meet your stationary non-dominant index finger, followed by 'TOMORROW'.

2

We are open till 5 PM.

Sign 'OPEN', then use the 'TILL' sign to show the continuation of time up to the deadline, and finally sign 'TIME 5'.

3

Keep driving till you see the stop sign.

Sign 'DRIVE CONTINUE', then 'TILL' to mark the endpoint of the action, followed by 'SEE', 'STOP', and 'SIGN'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'till' the same as 'until'?

Yes, in ASL, 'till' and 'until' share the exact same sign. You use the same arcing motion with your index fingers to convey the concept of time leading up to a certain point, regardless of which English word you translate it to.

Can I use this sign for a cash register 'till'?

No, this sign is strictly for the concept of time, meaning 'up to'. If you are talking about a cash register till or a money drawer, you would use the sign for 'CASH REGISTER' or simply fingerspell T-I-L-L.

Does my dominant hand have to actually touch my non-dominant hand?

Yes, the tips of your index fingers should touch at the end of the sign. The physical contact emphasizes reaching the specific endpoint or deadline you are talking about.

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