Signs for CUT

There are several signs for 'cut', depending on the subjects or objects.

Definition: To penetrate with or as if with a sharp-edged instrument or object; to make an opening, incision, or wound in (something) with a sharp-edged tool or object.

There are many ASL signs for CUT. Here are some examples, some using descriptive classifiers and/or locative classifiers.

A long narrow incision in the skin made by something sharp.


To cut something into slices (e.g. tomato, salami, etc.)


To cut something (e.g. paper) with scissors.

To cut or snip hair.

To cut nails (with a scissors). For cutting nails with a nailcutter, use a different classifier.

For the meaning of "cut" in context of video editing, see EDIT.


Related signs: JULIENNE, SLICE, SNIP, PRUNE, CHOP, TRIM, SNIP, DISSECT, SHRED, SAW.

Written ASL

[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

ASL written for CUT (general)

Written ASL digit for "CUT" (general). [Contributed by ASLwrite, 2019]

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