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How To Sign WORK
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "WORK" in American Sign Language (ASL), use both hands in fist shapes with the dominant hand tapping on the back of the non-dominant hand, representing the action of working or laboring.
📖 Word definition
Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result; employment or job.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Both hands in "S" handshape (closed fists).
  2. Starting Position: Non-dominant hand held horizontally in front of body, dominant hand above it.
  3. Movement: Dominant hand taps down on the back of non-dominant hand twice.
  4. Path: Short, firm downward tapping motion.
  5. Hand Orientation: Non-dominant hand palm down, dominant hand knuckles facing down.
  6. Facial Expression: Neutral to slightly focused expression.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong hand position: Don't tap on palm, tap on back of hand.

❌ Too many taps: Use only two firm taps, not continuous tapping.

❌ Weak contact: Make clear, firm contact between hands.

❌ Wrong handshape: Keep both hands in fist shape, not open hands.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I work every day."
How to sign: Point to self ("I") → sign "work" (fist taps fist) → sign "every" (A hand brushes down palm) → sign "day" (D hand on elbow, arc across).
"She works at hospital."
How to sign: Point to her ("she") → sign "work" → sign "at" → sign "hospital" (H hand draws cross on upper arm).
"Work is finished."
How to sign: Sign "work" → sign "finish" (5 hands flip over quickly showing completion).