Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Upon"

To sign "upon," start with both hands flat in a "B" handshape, with your fingers together and palms facing down. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest to represent a flat surface. Then, bring your dominant hand down so that its palm rests flat on the back of your non-dominant hand. This sign is identical to the sign for "on" and visually mimics placing an object on top of a surface.

Examples Using "Upon" in a Sentence

1

The keys are upon the counter.

First, establish the 'counter' in your signing space. Then, use the sign for 'upon' to indicate the location, followed by pointing or signing 'keys' to show exactly what is resting there.

2

Please set the cup upon the table.

Sign 'table' to set up your base surface. Next, sign 'cup' and use the 'upon' sign to demonstrate the action of placing the cup directly on top of the table.

3

The cat jumped upon the bed.

After signing 'bed' and 'cat,' use your dominant hand to show the jumping motion, landing firmly upon the back of your stationary non-dominant hand to complete the action.

How to Sign "Upon"
To sign "upon," start with both hands flat in a "B" handshape, with your fingers together and palms facing down. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest to represent a flat surface. Then, bring your dominant hand down so that its palm rests flat on the back of your non-dominant hand. This sign is identical to the sign for "on" and visually mimics placing an object on top of a surface.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "upon" is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like what it represents. The stationary non-dominant hand acts as a flat, stable surface, while the dominant hand represents an object being placed directly onto that surface. This visual logic makes it one of the most intuitive spatial signs for beginners to learn and remember.
Signing Tips
When signing "upon," keep your hands relaxed but maintain a clear, flat shape with your fingers together. Think of your non-dominant hand as a solid, immovable surface like a desk or a floor. Your dominant hand should make a deliberate, clear contact with the back of the non-dominant hand. Ensure the movement is crisp so the concept of one thing resting on another is visually obvious.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is clapping their palms together, which looks like the sign for "school" or "paper." Always make sure your non-dominant palm is facing down, so your dominant hand rests on the back of it. Another common error is moving both hands simultaneously; remember that your non-dominant hand must remain completely still to act as the stable base.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Upon" in a Sentence
1

The keys are upon the counter.

First, establish the 'counter' in your signing space. Then, use the sign for 'upon' to indicate the location, followed by pointing or signing 'keys' to show exactly what is resting there.

2

Please set the cup upon the table.

Sign 'table' to set up your base surface. Next, sign 'cup' and use the 'upon' sign to demonstrate the action of placing the cup directly on top of the table.

3

The cat jumped upon the bed.

After signing 'bed' and 'cat,' use your dominant hand to show the jumping motion, landing firmly upon the back of your stationary non-dominant hand to complete the action.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for "upon" the same as "on"?

Yes, in American Sign Language, the concepts of "on" and "upon" share the exact same sign. You use the flat dominant hand resting on the back of the non-dominant hand for both English words, relying on context for the exact translation.

Does it matter which hand is on top?

Yes, it is important that your dominant hand is the one moving and resting on top. Your non-dominant hand should always act as the stationary base or surface underneath.

Do I use this sign for phrases like "once upon a time"?

In natural ASL, "once upon a time" is translated conceptually using signs like "long ago" or "past" rather than the literal sign for "upon." Using this sign for that phrase is more typical of Signed Exact English.

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