How to Sign "Year"

the sign 'year' uses both hands. Ball both hands into fists. Rest the pinkie side of the dominant hand on top of the thumb side of the non-dominant hand. Bring the dominant hand out and around the non-dominant before resting on top of it again. This will look like the earth orbiting the sun.

Examples Using "Year" in a Sentence

1

Happy New Year!

Sign 'Happy', 'New', and then 'Year' by taking your dominant fist and circling it completely around your stationary non-dominant fist, making sure it lands right back on top.

2

I started learning ASL this year.

After signing 'Now' or 'This', perform the sign for 'year' by resting your dominant fist on your non-dominant fist, orbiting it forward and around, and returning to the starting position.

3

She is one year old.

Sign the number 'one', then perform the sign for 'year' by making the full circular motion with your dominant fist around your stationary non-dominant fist to show the passage of time.

How to Sign "Year"
the sign 'year' uses both hands. Ball both hands into fists. Rest the pinkie side of the dominant hand on top of the thumb side of the non-dominant hand. Bring the dominant hand out and around the non-dominant before resting on top of it again. This will look like the earth orbiting the sun.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'year' is highly iconic and visually represents the passage of time through astronomy. The stationary non-dominant fist represents the sun, while the moving dominant fist represents the earth making one complete orbit around the sun, which takes exactly one year.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant fist completely still while your dominant hand does all the moving. Imagine your non-dominant hand is the sun, and your dominant hand is the earth making one full orbit. Ensure the movement is a complete circle, starting and ending with the dominant fist resting right on top.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is moving both hands in a circular motion, rather than keeping the non-dominant hand stationary. Another common error is not completing the full circle, stopping short before the dominant hand rests back on top.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Year" in a Sentence
1

Happy New Year!

Sign 'Happy', 'New', and then 'Year' by taking your dominant fist and circling it completely around your stationary non-dominant fist, making sure it lands right back on top.

2

I started learning ASL this year.

After signing 'Now' or 'This', perform the sign for 'year' by resting your dominant fist on your non-dominant fist, orbiting it forward and around, and returning to the starting position.

3

She is one year old.

Sign the number 'one', then perform the sign for 'year' by making the full circular motion with your dominant fist around your stationary non-dominant fist to show the passage of time.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I move both hands when signing 'year'?

No, only your dominant hand should move. Your non-dominant hand acts as a stationary base, like the sun, while your dominant hand circles around it, like the earth.

Does it matter which direction I circle my hand?

Yes, your dominant hand should move forward, out, and around the non-dominant hand. It moves away from your body first before circling back toward yourself to land on top.

What handshape should I use?

Both hands should be balled into closed fists (the 'S' handshape in ASL). The pinkie side of your dominant fist rests on the thumb side of your non-dominant fist.

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