How to sign "wait" in ASL

How to Sign "Wait"

“Wait” is signed by wiggling both hands upright in front of you, mimicking idle motion while waiting:

• Hold both hands upright in front, palms facing in, fingers slightly spread.
• Keep the hands stationary at chest height.
• Wriggle your fingers gently back and forth, like fidgeting while waiting.

Watch a demo here

Tips

• Think of idle fingers—small motion conveys patience or delay.
• Motion is only in the fingers—not the whole hands.

Common Mistakes

• Moving hands up/down—only wiggle the fingers.
• Too fast or too large motion—it should be subtle and steady.

Think: “Fingers fidget—being patient.”