ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "BOTHER" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a "B" handshape to repeatedly tap or brush against the side of your non-dominant hand's index finger, representing persistent annoyance or disturbance.
📖 Word definition
To annoy, disturb, or cause trouble to someone; to make the effort to do something; to worry or concern oneself about something.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "B" handshape (flat hand, fingers together); non-dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended).
- Starting Position: Non-dominant hand held up with index finger pointing upward; dominant hand positioned near the side of the index finger.
- Movement: Dominant hand repeatedly taps or brushes against the side of the non-dominant index finger.
- Path: Small, repetitive back-and-forth motion against the index finger.
- Hand Orientation: Dominant hand palm faces toward the index finger; non-dominant hand remains steady.
- Facial Expression: Slightly annoyed or concerned expression to match the meaning.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong handshape: Use "B" handshape, not open palm or fist.
❌ Single tap: Make repeated motions to show persistence of bothering.
❌ Wrong contact point: Touch side of index finger, not the tip or palm.
❌ Too gentle: Make clear contact to emphasize the annoying nature.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"Don't bother me now."
How to sign: Sign "don't" (shake head while signing "not") → sign "bother" (B hand taps index finger) → sign "me" (point to self) → sign "now" (Y hands drop down).
"The noise bothers my concentration."
How to sign: Sign "noise" (shake hands near ears) → sign "bother" → sign "my" (flat hand on chest) → sign "concentration" (C hands at temples moving forward).
"Why bother trying again?"
How to sign: Sign "why" (touch forehead, then wiggle fingers) → sign "bother" → sign "try" (T hands push forward) → sign "again" (bent hand arcs over to palm).