How to Sign "Trial"

To sign 'trial,' form both hands into 'F' handshapes, where your index fingers and thumbs touch while the other fingers remain extended. Hold your hands in front of you with your palms facing each other. Move your hands up and down in an alternating motion, resembling the scales of justice.

Examples Using "Trial" in a Sentence

1

The trial starts tomorrow.

Sign 'trial' using the alternating 'F' handshapes, followed by the sign for 'tomorrow' moving forward from your cheek.

2

We are going to court for the trial.

Use the sign for 'trial' to represent the court setting, establishing the legal context of the sentence.

3

The judge listened during the trial.

Since 'judge' and 'trial' use the same sign, you can sign it once and add the 'person' marker to specify the judge, then sign 'listen'.

How to Sign "Trial"
To sign 'trial,' form both hands into 'F' handshapes, where your index fingers and thumbs touch while the other fingers remain extended. Hold your hands in front of you with your palms facing each other. Move your hands up and down in an alternating motion, resembling the scales of justice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, visually representing the traditional 'scales of justice.' The alternating movement of the hands mimics the weighing of evidence on a balance scale.
Signing Tips
Keep the alternating movement of your hands smooth and deliberate. The motion shouldn't be too fast; a steady pace helps convey the formal and serious nature of a legal trial.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands up and down at the same time instead of alternating them. Make sure one hand goes up while the other goes down, like a balance scale.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Trial" in a Sentence
1

The trial starts tomorrow.

Sign 'trial' using the alternating 'F' handshapes, followed by the sign for 'tomorrow' moving forward from your cheek.

2

We are going to court for the trial.

Use the sign for 'trial' to represent the court setting, establishing the legal context of the sentence.

3

The judge listened during the trial.

Since 'judge' and 'trial' use the same sign, you can sign it once and add the 'person' marker to specify the judge, then sign 'listen'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'trial' the same as 'court' or 'judge'?

Yes, 'trial,' 'court,' and 'judge' often use the exact same sign. The specific meaning is usually understood based on the context of your sentence. For 'judge,' you can also add the 'person' marker.

How many times should I move my hands?

Typically, two or three alternating up-and-down movements are enough to clearly communicate the sign.

What facial expression should I use?

Because a trial is a formal and often serious event, a neutral or serious facial expression is most appropriate when signing this word.

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