How to Sign "Until"

Hold up your non-dominant index finger, pointing upward with the palm facing sideways. Form an index finger with your dominant hand, pointing up as well. Move your dominant index finger forward in a small arc until it taps the tip of your non-dominant index finger.

Examples Using "Until" in a Sentence

1

I will wait until tomorrow.

Sign 'wait', then use the sign for 'until' by arcing your dominant index finger to your stationary non-dominant index finger, followed by 'tomorrow'.

2

The store is open until 5 PM.

Sign 'store' and 'open', then sign 'until', and finish by signing the number '5'.

3

Keep practicing until you understand.

Sign 'practice' with a continuous motion, then sign 'until', and finish with the sign for 'understand'.

How to Sign "Until"
Hold up your non-dominant index finger, pointing upward with the palm facing sideways. Form an index finger with your dominant hand, pointing up as well. Move your dominant index finger forward in a small arc until it taps the tip of your non-dominant index finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents a timeline or a progression toward a specific point. The stationary non-dominant finger acts as the destination or the limit in time, while the moving dominant finger shows the journey leading right up to that exact moment.
Signing Tips
Make sure the movement of your dominant hand is a clear, deliberate arc forward. The non-dominant hand acts as a stationary endpoint, representing the specific point in time you are leading up to. Keep your movements smooth and steady.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands toward each other. Remember that the non-dominant hand must stay completely still, acting as the target or 'end point' in time. Another mistake is using the whole hand 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 "Until" in a Sentence
1

I will wait until tomorrow.

Sign 'wait', then use the sign for 'until' by arcing your dominant index finger to your stationary non-dominant index finger, followed by 'tomorrow'.

2

The store is open until 5 PM.

Sign 'store' and 'open', then sign 'until', and finish by signing the number '5'.

3

Keep practicing until you understand.

Sign 'practice' with a continuous motion, then sign 'until', and finish with the sign for 'understand'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'until' the same sign as 'to'?

They are very similar and often use the exact same movement! However, 'until' is typically used for time concepts, while 'to' is used for locations or directions. The context of your sentence will make the meaning clear.

Do I have to use my index fingers?

Yes, the standard sign for 'until' uses the '1' handshape, which means only your index fingers are extended on both hands. Using other handshapes would change the meaning or make the sign unclear to others.

Can I move my non-dominant hand instead?

No, in ASL, the non-dominant hand usually acts as the stationary base when both hands are used but only one moves. Moving the non-dominant hand instead of your dominant one can look awkward to fluent signers.

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