How to Sign "Leave" in Sign Language

Signing Leave

  1. Hand Shape: The sign for "leave" in ASL is made by forming an open “5" handshape with your dominant hand, palm facing down, and placing it near your chest.
  2. Sign Location: The sign is made near your chest, and the movement indicates something or someone departing from a location.
  3. Movement: Move the "5" handshape away from your chest at a forward angle into an “O” handshape
  4. Facial Expression: While signing "leave," your facial expression may convey the emotion associated with the act of departure, whether it's sadness, relief, or any other relevant feeling.

Note

This sign can be used in various contexts to express leaving a place, leaving a job, or departing from a situation.

When signing it yourself isn't enough

Learning to sign is a great start. For the moments that have to be right (a medical appointment, a parent-teacher meeting, a legal conversation) Ava connects you with a credentialed ASL interpreter over video in the Ava app, on demand or scheduled ahead. Available 24/7, with live captions included.