How To Sign "On" in Sign Language

The concept of "on" is usually represented in context rather than with a specific sign. Instead of a separate sign for "on," you would often show the action of one thing being on another, or use spatial relationships to convey the idea.

However, if you want to show something being turned on, like a light or a machine, there's a specific motion:

Directions for Signing "Turn On" in Sign Language

  1. Hand Position: Use both hands in an open “5” shape, palm facing down.
  2. Starting Placement: Place your non-dominant hand horizontally, palm facing down.
  3. Movement: Bring your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant hand, fingers of the dominant hand touching the back of the non-dominant hand.

Note

If you're trying to indicate the position of one object in relation to another, you'd use the actual objects or representative handshapes and their positions to each other. For example, to show a book on a table, you might display one hand flat (representing the table) and then place your other hand, palm-down, onto the first hand (representing the book).

Always remember that ASL is a visual-spatial language. Many concepts, like prepositions, are conveyed through the use of space and the relative positioning of signs.

Learn how to sign "off"

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