ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "BEFORE" in American Sign Language (ASL), use both hands with flat handshapes. Place your non-dominant hand stationary while your dominant hand starts behind it and moves forward past it, representing something happening earlier in time.
📖 Word definition
At an earlier time; in advance of; preceding in time or order.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Both hands in flat "B" handshape (fingers together, thumb against side).
- Starting Position: Non-dominant hand stationary in front of chest, dominant hand positioned behind it.
- Movement: Dominant hand moves forward past the non-dominant hand.
- Path: Straight forward motion showing progression from past to present.
- Hand Orientation: Both palms face the same direction (usually toward your body).
- Facial Expression: Neutral, may show slight emphasis when indicating specific timing.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong direction: Don't move backward - always move forward from behind.
❌ Both hands moving: Keep non-dominant hand stationary as reference point.
❌ Curved motion: Use straight forward movement, not arc or curve.
❌ Wrong handshape: Use flat "B" hands, not pointing or fist shapes.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"I ate before class."
How to sign: Point to self "I" → sign "eat" (fingers to mouth) → sign "before" (hand moves forward past other hand) → sign "class" (C hands clap together).
"Call me before you leave."
How to sign: Sign "call" (Y hand to ear) → point "me" → sign "before" → sign "you" (point forward) → sign "leave" (flat hands pull away from body).
"We met before yesterday."
How to sign: Sign "we" (point between self and others) → sign "meet" (index fingers come together) → sign "before" → sign "yesterday" (A hand touches cheek, moves back).