How to sign “Determines” in ASL

Everyday Life

The BSL sign for “Determines” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.

Step by step

  1. Pinch the thumb and index finger of each hand together to form two F handshapes.
  2. Hold both F hands in front of your lower chest with the fingers pointing slightly down.
  3. Drive both hands downward in one short, firm stroke, as if stamping a decision.
  4. Stop the hands abruptly at the end of the stroke — the sudden halt carries the finality.
  5. Keep your palms angled toward each other while the F hands drop together.
  6. Set your jaw with a firm, resolved expression — the matter is settled.

Practice tip

“Determines” is signed with the base DETERMINE sign.

Fingerspell “Determines”

Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.

ASL handshape for letter DASL handshape for letter EASL handshape for letter TASL handshape for letter EASL handshape for letter RASL handshape for letter MASL handshape for letter IASL handshape for letter NASL handshape for letter EASL handshape for letter S

See all ASL handshapes in the alphabet reference

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.

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