PLAY in sign language

Printable ASL sign for PLAY
Printable

How do you say 'play' in ASL for one common definition and for other meanings?

ASL signs for "play"

Definition: Engage in fun activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose; take part in (a sport).

Pronunciation (production): Two-handed "Y" (handshape), palms in (orientation), apart in space (location), rotate downward twice at the wrists (movement).

Related signs: RELAX, FUN, FROLIC, ROMP.

Opposite: WORK like you're serious.

If you talk about a dramatic work to be acted on stage, use the sign: two-handed "10" hands with the palms facing each other in contact with the sides of the chest alternatly moves downward twice in a circular motion. The sign looks similar as DRAMA

Or, if one "represent a character in a theatrical performance or a film", see ACT. E.g. "she played Sophia"

Another meaning is to play music (or any musical instrument) or to make music, you don't use the sign "play" as shown above. Instead, you use different expressions, usually with the classifier phrases.

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