How to sign “Determine” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Determine” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Pinch the thumb and index finger of each hand together to form two F handshapes.
- Hold both F hands in front of your lower chest with the fingers pointing slightly down.
- Drive both hands downward in one short, firm stroke, as if stamping a decision.
- Stop the hands abruptly at the end of the stroke — the sudden halt carries the finality.
- Keep your palms angled toward each other while the F hands drop together.
- Set your jaw with a firm, resolved expression — the matter is settled.
Practice tip
Skip the forehead touch of full DECIDE — DETERMINE uses just the sharp downward F-hand drop.
Fingerspell “Determine”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Text-based guide researched from established ASL references (Lifeprint, university and public-health materials) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade.