How to sign mean in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 2)

Definition:

Displaying unkindness

Sign Instructions:

Begin with the index finger of your dominant hand against your nose and your non-dominant hand in front of you. Bring your dominant hand down while changing it to an "A" handshape and also letting your fingers make contact with each other as your dominant hand passes your non-dominant hand.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of mean

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of mean

End of Sign

Final Frame of mean

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for mean
Extend all fingers to show the number five, spreading them out.
Dominant Handshape for mean
Make a fist with all fingers curled in and the thumb pressed against the index finger.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for mean
Make a fist with all fingers curled in and the thumb pressed against the index finger.

Sign #2 (2 of 2)

Definition:

Explanation or definition

Sign Instructions:

Begin with both hands next to each other in front of you with the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand against the palm of your non-dominant hand. Your dominant hand should begin with your palm oriented away from you. Then, you should move your dominant hand off of your palm, rotate your wrist toward yourself, then place your index and middle fingers back on your palm again.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of mean

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of mean

End of Sign

Final Frame of mean

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for mean
Extend your index and middle fingers straight up, folding the thumb and the other fingers into the palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for mean
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

About the Creator

Paul Kelly, a nationally certified sign language interpreter and the founder of strongasl.com, has dedicated his career to bridging communication gaps through sign language. As a CODA (child of deaf adult), with deep personal and professional roots in the deaf community, Paul brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to his work.

His experiences range from legal to entertainment interpreting, including teaching sign language to celebrities like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. His passion for innovation is evident in the AI-driven features of this dictionary, aiming to make sign language more accessible for all.

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