How to sign time in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 4)

Definition:

Duration or period

Sign Instructions:

With your dominant hand in a "T" handshape, move it in a circle in front of the palm of your non-dominant hand and then place your dominant hand against the palm of your non-dominant hand.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of time

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of time

End of Sign

Final Frame of time

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for time
Curl in all of your fingers except for your thumb into your palm. Place the thumb in between your index and middle fingers.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

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

Sign #2 (2 of 4)

Definition:

Moment/duration

Sign Instructions:

Press the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant hand 1 time.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of time

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of time

End of Sign

Final Frame of time

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for time
Extend your index finger and then curl it in. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for time
Make a fist with all fingers curled over the thumb, which is tucked in front of the fingers.

Sign #3 (3 of 4)

Definition:

Moment/duration

Sign Instructions:

Press the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant hand 2 times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of time

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of time

End of Sign

Final Frame of time

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for time
Extend your index finger and then curl it in. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for time
Make a fist with all fingers curled over the thumb, which is tucked in front of the fingers.

Sign #4 (4 of 4)

Definition:

Moment/duration

Sign Instructions:

Press the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant hand 1 time, leaving your finger on your other hand at the end of the sign.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of time

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of time

End of Sign

Final Frame of time

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for time
Extend your index finger and then curl it in. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for time
Make a fist with all fingers curled over the thumb, which is tucked in front of the fingers.

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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