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How To Sign START
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "START" in American Sign Language (ASL), place your non-dominant hand flat with palm up, then use your dominant hand's index finger to make a twisting motion between the fingers of your flat hand, representing the beginning of something new.
📖 Word definition
To begin or commence an activity, process, or journey; to set something in motion or operation.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Non-dominant hand flat with palm up; dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended).
  2. Starting Position: Non-dominant hand held steady in front of body, dominant hand positioned above it.
  3. Movement: Insert dominant index finger between middle and ring fingers of flat hand, then twist.
  4. Path: Quick twisting motion of the index finger while positioned between the fingers.
  5. Hand Orientation: Non-dominant palm faces up throughout; dominant finger points down into the gap.
  6. Facial Expression: Alert and focused, showing intention to begin.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong finger placement: Insert between middle and ring fingers, not other gaps.

❌ No twisting motion: Must include the twist to show activation/beginning.

❌ Both hands moving: Keep non-dominant hand steady as the base.

❌ Too gentle: Make the twist motion decisive and clear.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"Let's start the meeting."
How to sign: Sign "let's" (L hands move together) → sign "start" (twist finger between flat hand) → sign "meeting" (flat hands come together, fingertips touching).
"I will start cooking dinner."
How to sign: Point to self "I" → sign "will" (flat hand to side of face) → sign "start" → sign "cook" (flip hands like flipping food) → sign "dinner" (D hand to mouth, then flat hand over other hand).
"The movie starts at 7pm."
How to sign: Sign "movie" (5 hand shakes in front of flat palm) → sign "start" → sign "at" (fingertips touch) → sign "7" (hold up 7 fingers) → sign "pm" (P-M letters).