Hide in Sign Language (ASL)

Hide is a common action sign used in American Sign Language to express the act of concealing something or someone from view. It can refer to physical objects, people, or even emotions that one might want to keep private. This sign is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as hide-and-seek games or discussing personal feelings.

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Forming the sign

1. Handshape: Use your dominant hand in a flat “B” handshape. The fingers should be extended and together, forming a smooth, flat surface.
2. Location: Start with your dominant hand positioned in front of your body at chest level.
3. Movement: Move your hand forward and then quickly bring it back toward your chest, as if you are covering something and then pulling it back in.
4. Non-manual signals: While signing “Hide,” you might add a facial expression that conveys secrecy, such as squinting slightly or raising your eyebrows. This adds emphasis to the action of hiding.

When performing the sign for Hide, remember that the movement should be fluid and natural. It’s essential to incorporate appropriate facial expressions to convey the context—like looking around as if ensuring no one is watching. This adds an extra layer of meaning to your sign.

Showing tense, aspect & repetition

In ASL, verbs like Hide can show tense and aspect through repetition or modification of the sign. To indicate that something is currently being hidden, perform the sign smoothly and without hesitation. If you want to express that something was hidden in the past, you can sign Hide, then follow it with a quick backward motion to signify that it has already happened. For ongoing actions, you can repeat the motion several times to emphasize that the action is continuous.

“Hide” in everyday signing

In casual conversation, Hide can be used in various contexts. For example, if someone asks where you put your keys, you could sign Hide to indicate that you have concealed them somewhere. Similarly, in a game of hide-and-seek, the sign is essential for communicating with friends. Incorporating Hide into your daily signing will help you become more fluent and expressive.

Common confusion with a similar sign

Many learners often confuse the sign for Hide with the sign for Cover. While both involve a similar movement, Cover focuses more on placing something over another object, whereas Hide emphasizes the act of making something disappear from view. Paying close attention to the context and facial expressions can help distinguish between the two signs.

FAQ

What is the difference between Hide and Seek?

Hide is the action of concealing, while Seek involves looking for something or someone that is hidden. In games, “Hide and Seek” refers to both actions together.

Can I use Hide to talk about hiding emotions?

Yes! You can use Hide to refer to concealing feelings or personal thoughts, especially if you emphasize your facial expressions to convey the emotional context.

Is there a sign for hiding in different locations?

Yes, you can modify the sign by adding directional indicators to show where something is being hidden, such as pointing to a location while signing Hide.

How do I practice the sign Hide?

To practice, try using the sign in sentences or role-play scenarios that involve hiding objects or playing games. Repetition in different contexts will help solidify your understanding.