How to sign “Staying” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Staying” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Form a Y-handshape with your dominant hand by stretching your thumb and pinkie wide while folding the middle fingers down.
- Raise the hand to chest height in front of you with the palm facing down.
- Press the hand firmly downward in one short, decisive stroke, as if pinning something in place.
- Hold the Y-handshape rigid the whole time, keeping the thumb and pinkie fully extended.
- Repeat the downward press with both hands together when you want extra emphasis.
- Keep a firm, settled expression — this is a command to hold position, not a question.
Practice tip
“Staying” is signed with the base STAY sign — ASL/BSL marks ongoing action on the sign, not with a separate word.
Fingerspell “Staying”
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.