How to Sign "Wait"
the sign 'wait' uses both hands. bring both hands up to chest height so the palms face upwards. curl the fingers a little so they point up. wiggle the fingers individually so they move at slightly different times.
Examples Using "Wait" in a Sentence
1
Wait a minute, I forgot my keys.
Sign 'wait' by holding both hands at chest height with palms up and wiggling your curled fingers. Hold the sign slightly longer to emphasize the pause before signing 'forget' and 'keys'.
2
Please wait here for the doctor.
Start with the sign for 'please', then transition into 'wait' by bringing both hands up and wiggling your fingers. Follow up with the signs for 'here' and 'doctor'.
3
I am unable to wait any longer.
Sign 'I', then 'can't', and follow it with this wiggling 'wait' sign. Note that if you mean 'I can't wait!' as in being excited, you would use the ASL sign for 'excited' instead.
How to Sign "Wait"
the sign 'wait' uses both hands. bring both hands up to chest height so the palms face upwards. curl the fingers a little so they point up. wiggle the fingers individually so they move at slightly different times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'wait' is highly iconic and visually motivated. The wiggling fingers naturally represent the universal feeling of drumming your fingers on a desk or twiddling your thumbs while passing the time. The upward, open palms suggest a state of pausing, anticipating, or holding off on an action until the right moment arrives. This visual metaphor perfectly captures the restless but stationary energy of waiting for something to happen.
Signing Tips
To make your sign look natural, keep your wrists relatively still while signing 'wait.' The movement should come entirely from your fingers wiggling independently, rather than shaking your hands or arms. Your facial expression plays a huge role here! If you are asking someone to wait patiently, use a polite, soft expression. If you are commanding someone to 'wait right there,' furrow your eyebrows and make the finger wiggle slightly more rigid and abrupt.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is moving the entire hand up and down or shaking the wrists instead of isolating the movement to just the fingers. Another common error is pointing the fingers forward toward the person you are talking to, rather than curving them upwards toward the ceiling. Remember to keep your palms facing up and your hands comfortably positioned at chest height, avoiding extending your arms too far out.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Wait" in a Sentence
1Wait a minute, I forgot my keys.
Sign 'wait' by holding both hands at chest height with palms up and wiggling your curled fingers. Hold the sign slightly longer to emphasize the pause before signing 'forget' and 'keys'.
2Please wait here for the doctor.
Start with the sign for 'please', then transition into 'wait' by bringing both hands up and wiggling your fingers. Follow up with the signs for 'here' and 'doctor'.
3I am unable to wait any longer.
Sign 'I', then 'can't', and follow it with this wiggling 'wait' sign. Note that if you mean 'I can't wait!' as in being excited, you would use the ASL sign for 'excited' instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wiggle my fingers?
You only need to wiggle your fingers for a second or two for a standard 'wait.' If you want to emphasize waiting a very long time, you can continue wiggling your fingers while moving your hands slightly forward in small, slow circles, often accompanied by puffed cheeks.
Can I sign 'wait' with just one hand?
While 'wait' is traditionally a two-handed sign, it is sometimes signed casually with one hand in informal, rapid conversation. However, as a beginner, it is best to practice the standard two-handed version to ensure you are clearly understood.
Is this the same sign used for 'waiter' or 'waitress'?
No, the sign for a restaurant server is completely different. 'Waiter' or 'waitress' uses the sign for 'serve' (alternating hands moving forward with palms up) followed by the 'person' ending (flat hands moving straight down).
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!