Signs for PITY

Meaning: the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others; also pitiful.

Contextual variation.

Q: "Is there any difference when one would use single hand vs double hands?"

Yes, to some degree. It's not possible to give a black and white answer for subtly various contexts. But, generally, the first one can be used in informal register or used as a casual meaning. The double-handed sign may be used with some degree of emphasis or used in formal register. In some other cases, either of them may be used without much difference.

In addition, when one signs with larger and longer or slightly slower movement with the "oo" mouth morpheme, it means VERY-PITY or VERY-PITIFUL.

Related signs: sorry for, SYMPATHY, COMPASSION, MERCY.

Deaf Culture and tidbits

Deaf Culture

pity deaf people, not!
"That Deaf Guy" cartoon by Matt and Kay Daigle. Source: www.thatdeafguy.com

Deaf people generally don't embrace a paternalistic attitude. We don't need a pity (except for a speed ticket, kidding). We appreciate accessibility and equality (equity).

"Do/Don't" learning moment for a hearing person in real life: The hearing person (waitress) should have asked the Deaf man directly by writing instead of asking the child a question.

Ad-free Patron: To remove ads or/and unlock premium content, subscribe today or learn more about the features.

~~ Feeling lucky? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Random word ~~

Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.