Appointment in Sign Language (ASL)

ASL Dictionary 3 min read

How to sign Appointment in ASL
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The sign for “appointment” in ASL is used to indicate a scheduled meeting or engagement. You might use this sign when discussing plans with friends, family, or colleagues. It’s a common term in everyday conversation, especially in professional and social contexts.

Last reviewed: March 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use the sign for ‘appointment’ in a sentence?

You can sign ‘I have an appointment’ by using the sign for ‘I’ followed by the sign for ‘have’ and then ‘appointment’. This structure helps convey your message clearly in ASL.

Are there regional variations of the sign for ‘appointment’?

Yes, there can be slight variations in how ‘appointment’ is signed across different regions. Some signs may incorporate local dialects or influences, so it’s beneficial to observe and learn from native signers in your area.

Is there a difference between formal and informal usage of the sign for ‘appointment’?

The sign itself remains the same, but the context can change based on formality. In formal settings, you might pair the sign with other polite signs or expressions, while in casual conversations, you can use it more freely without additional context.

What are some similar or easily confused signs with ‘appointment’?

The signs for ‘appointment’ and ‘meeting’ can look similar, which may lead to confusion. Pay attention to the context in which they are used, as ‘appointment’ usually refers to a scheduled engagement, whereas ‘meeting’ can imply a gathering of multiple people.

How does the sign for ‘appointment’ compare to British Sign Language (BSL)?

In BSL, the sign for ‘appointment’ differs significantly from ASL. It’s essential to learn the specific signs for each language, as they reflect cultural nuances and different signing conventions.

What are some teaching tips for the sign ‘appointment’?

When teaching the sign ‘appointment’, demonstrate it in various contexts, like medical or personal appointments. Encourage students to practice in pairs, using the sign in full sentences to enhance their comprehension and retention.

Table of Contents

Sign at a Glance

Type Noun
Sign Type Asymmetricalsamehandshape
Location Hand
Handshape curved_5
Movement Circular
Iconicity Arbitrary (1.767/7) — Arbitrary
Frequency Common (5.033/7)
ASL Signbank View sign video →

Data: ASL-LEX 2.0 · ASL Signbank (Caselli et al., 2017)

How to Sign “Appointment”

  1. Begin with your dominant hand in a curved 5 handshape (like you’re making a claw). Hold your hand in front of you, palm facing your body.
  2. Position your hand at about chest height, slightly to one side.
  3. Make a circular motion with your hand, moving it in a clockwise direction. This should be a smooth and fluid motion.
  4. As you sign, maintain a neutral facial expression, or you can add a slight nod to indicate the importance of the appointment.

Common Mistakes

  • Some learners may forget to keep the hand in a curved 5 shape, opting for a flat hand instead.
  • Others might not perform the circular motion, making the sign appear stiff or incomplete.
  • Facial expressions can often be overlooked; remember that facial cues are important in ASL to convey meaning and context.
  • 1 Dollar – A sign used to indicate a single dollar amount.
  • 5 Dollars – Similar to the previous sign, but for five dollars.
  • 9 O’clock – A sign used to refer to the time.
  • A – Represents the letter “A” in ASL fingerspelling.

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