ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "LEAVE" in American Sign Language (ASL), use both hands in flat handshapes starting together, then pull the dominant hand away while the non-dominant hand remains stationary, representing departure from a place or situation.
📖 Word definition
To go away from a place or person; to depart or exit from a location.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Both hands in flat handshape (all fingers extended and together, palm facing down).
- Starting Position: Both hands together in front of your body, palms facing down.
- Movement: Pull dominant hand away from non-dominant hand in a smooth motion.
- Path: Dominant hand moves outward and slightly forward, showing departure.
- Hand Orientation: Both palms remain facing down throughout the sign.
- Facial Expression: Neutral to slightly serious, depending on context of leaving.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Both hands moving: Only the dominant hand moves away; non-dominant stays in place.
❌ Wrong handshape: Use flat hands, not fists or other shapes.
❌ Palms facing up: Keep palms facing down throughout the sign.
❌ Too abrupt: Make the movement smooth and deliberate, not jerky.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"I leave work at 5."
How to sign: Point to yourself ("I") → sign "leave" (flat hands, dominant pulls away) → sign "work" (fist hits palm) → sign "at" → sign "5" (five fingers up).
"Please leave the door open."
How to sign: Sign "please" (flat hand circles on chest) → sign "leave" → sign "door" (B hands open like doors) → sign "open" (flat hands separate).
"They left yesterday."
How to sign: Point to them ("they") → sign "leave" (past tense with backward shoulder movement) → sign "yesterday" (Y hand touches cheek, moves back).