How to sign “Stop” in ASL

Everyday Basics

BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the American sign. See the BSL sign for “Stop” instead

Step by step

  1. Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up.
  2. Bring your dominant flat hand down sharply onto the palm, like a karate chop.

Practice tip

Sharp and clear — urgency is in the movement.

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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