ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "EXCUSE ME" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a flat handshape to brush across your non-dominant palm in a gentle sweeping motion, representing the act of clearing or excusing oneself.
📖 Word definition
A polite expression used to get someone's attention, apologize for a minor inconvenience, or request permission to pass by someone.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Dominant hand in flat handshape (all fingers extended and together), non-dominant hand in flat palm position.
- Starting Position: Non-dominant hand held flat, palm up, at chest level in front of body.
- Movement: Dominant hand brushes gently across the non-dominant palm from fingertips toward wrist.
- Path: Single smooth sweeping motion across the palm surface.
- Hand Orientation: Dominant hand palm down, non-dominant hand palm up throughout the sign.
- Facial Expression: Polite, apologetic expression with slight eyebrow raise and gentle eye contact.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Too rough motion: Use gentle brushing, not harsh wiping across palm.
❌ Wrong direction: Brush from fingers toward wrist, not wrist to fingers.
❌ Multiple brushes: One smooth motion, not repeated back-and-forth.
❌ Aggressive expression: Maintain polite, apologetic facial expression.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"Excuse me, where is the bathroom?"
How to sign: Sign "excuse me" (brush across palm) → sign "where" (index finger pointing side to side) → sign "bathroom" (T hand shaking at shoulder level).
"Excuse me for being late."
How to sign: Sign "excuse me" → sign "for" (index finger touches forehead then points forward) → sign "late" (L hand at wrist, bend backward).
"Excuse me, can you help me?"
How to sign: Sign "excuse me" → sign "can" (fists move down) → sign "you" (point to person) → sign "help" (flat hand supports fist) → sign "me" (point to self).