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How To Sign PROMISE
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "PROMISE" in American Sign Language (ASL), start with your dominant hand in a "1" handshape touching your lips, then move it down to place the index finger on top of your non-dominant fist, representing a commitment sealed with your word.
📖 Word definition
A declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen; a commitment to fulfill an obligation.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended), non-dominant hand in fist.
  2. Starting Position: Index finger of dominant hand touches your lips.
  3. Movement: Move dominant hand down and place index finger on top of non-dominant fist.
  4. Path: Smooth downward motion from lips to fist contact.
  5. Hand Orientation: Index finger points down when contacting the fist.
  6. Facial Expression: Serious, sincere expression showing commitment and trustworthiness.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Skipping lip contact: Must touch lips first to show spoken commitment.

❌ Wrong handshape: Use "1" shape, not pointing or flat hand.

❌ Weak contact: Make firm contact between finger and fist.

❌ Casual expression: Show seriousness, promises are important commitments.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I promise to help you."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "promise" (finger to lips, then to fist) → sign "help" (fist on palm, lift together) → sign "you" (point forward).
"She broke her promise."
How to sign: Sign "she" (point to side) → sign "break" (hands break apart) → sign "her" (point to side) → sign "promise" (finger to lips, then to fist).
"Keep your promise."
How to sign: Sign "keep" (K hands stack and hold) → sign "your" (flat hand forward) → sign "promise" (finger to lips, then to fist).