How to Sign "Working"
Form both hands into "S" shapes (fists). Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing down. Tap the wrist or back of your non-dominant hand a couple of times with the heel or wrist of your dominant hand.
Examples Using "Working" in a Sentence
1
I am working right now.
Point to yourself for 'I', perform the sign for 'working' by tapping your fists together, and finish with the sign for 'now'.
2
Where do you work?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'working', and then sign 'where' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a wh-question.
3
She is working hard.
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'working', and then use an intense facial expression and stronger tapping motion to show the effort of working hard.
How to Sign "Working"
Form both hands into "S" shapes (fists). Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing down. Tap the wrist or back of your non-dominant hand a couple of times with the heel or wrist of your dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'working' visually represents the physical effort of manual labor. The hands formed into fists symbolize holding tools or exerting physical force, and the repeated tapping motion mimics the rhythmic action of hammering or building something.
Signing Tips
Keep your movements clear and deliberate. Make sure you are tapping the back of your non-dominant wrist with the heel or wrist of your dominant hand, not the knuckles. Your facial expression can change the meaning—a focused or strained face shows you are working hard, while a relaxed face implies a normal workday.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is banging the knuckles together instead of tapping the heel of the dominant hand against the back of the non-dominant wrist. Another error is using flat hands instead of 'S' handshapes (fists), which can confuse the sign with others like 'school' or 'paper'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Working" in a Sentence
1I am working right now.
Point to yourself for 'I', perform the sign for 'working' by tapping your fists together, and finish with the sign for 'now'.
2Where do you work?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'working', and then sign 'where' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a wh-question.
3She is working hard.
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'working', and then use an intense facial expression and stronger tapping motion to show the effort of working hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'work' and 'working' in ASL?
In ASL, the same sign is generally used for both the noun 'work' and the verb 'working'. The exact meaning is understood from the context of your sentence and your facial expressions.
Does it matter which hand is on top?
Yes, your dominant hand should be the one moving and tapping on top. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base. If you are right-handed, your right hand taps your left wrist.
How do I show that I am working really hard?
You can modify the sign by making the tapping motion stronger and more intense. Pair this with a strained or focused facial expression, and perhaps puff out your cheeks slightly to emphasize the heavy effort.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!