How to sign "stop" in ASL

How to Sign "Stop"

“Stop” is signed by bringing one hand down sharply onto the open palm of the other:

• Hold your non‑dominant hand flat with palm up.
• Hold your dominant hand flat and palm down above it.
• Bring the dominant hand down sharply onto the non‑dominant palm, stopping forcefully.

Watch a demo here

Tips

• Think of slamming the brakes—quick and decisive.
• Use confident motion without hesitation.

Common Mistakes

• Sliding instead of hitting—needs a sharp contact.
• Using curved hands—both must be flat.

Think: “Palm up, palm down—stop together.”