ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "SLOW DOWN" in American Sign Language (ASL), use both hands with palms facing down, moving slowly downward while gradually decreasing speed, representing the action of reducing pace or velocity.
📖 Word definition
To reduce speed, pace, or intensity; to move or proceed more slowly than before.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Both hands flat with fingers extended and together, palms facing down.
- Starting Position: Hands positioned at chest level, about shoulder-width apart.
- Movement: Move both hands slowly downward in a controlled, deliberate motion.
- Path: Straight downward movement, gradually decreasing speed as hands descend.
- Hand Orientation: Palms remain facing down throughout the entire sign.
- Facial Expression: Relaxed, concentrated expression showing control and deliberation.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Too fast movement: The sign itself should be performed slowly to match the meaning.
❌ Palms facing up: Keep palms facing down to show pressing down motion.
❌ Jerky motion: Movement should be smooth and controlled, not choppy.
❌ One hand only: Use both hands for emphasis and clarity of the concept.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"Please slow down when driving."
How to sign: Sign "please" (flat hand circles on chest) → sign "slow down" (both palms down, move slowly down) → sign "drive" (hands grip steering wheel motion).
"The teacher asked us to slow down."
How to sign: Sign "teacher" (flat hands at temples, then person marker) → sign "ask" (hands together, pull toward self) → sign "us" (point around group) → sign "slow down".
"I need to slow down my eating."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "need" (bent finger moves down) → sign "slow down" → sign "my" (flat hand on chest) → sign "eat" (fingers to mouth repeatedly).