CAN: The
American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "can / able"
If you mean "can" as in a container of food, see: CUP
The sign for "can" as in "possible" uses "S" hands that move
downward about six inches.
Note: If you use a double movement, it changes the meaning more toward being
"possible."
CAN / possible
0:00 / 0:00
You can use a stronger movement to indicate more "assurance."
CAN!
A student writes:
Dear Dr. Bill,
I have a question regarding the word "can" plus shaking of the head
"no" to say cannot or can't vs. the sign for can't (point finger of
right hand coming down on point finger of other hand). Are both
excepted? Or is one better than the other? Or am I even wrong to think
you can sign the word can't/cannot by signing the sign for "can" and
shaking the head no (left to right)?
Thanks.
- Ram Levinger
Ram,
To me, signing CAN-(negative-head-shake) feels "very" awkward and at best might be used to mean "not able." Even for "not able" I would tend to use the actual NOT sign prior to signing CAN. Example: "HE/SHE NOT CAN WALK" = "He isn't able to WALK." I wouldn't recommend that though. Instead I'd just suggest signing "HE/SHE CAN'T WALK." Then if the other person said, "HE/SHE LAZY!" at that point I might sign, "NO! HE/SHE NOT CAN WALK! HIS/HER LEG BROKE!"
However the generally accepted sign for "can not" or "can't" is the CAN'T sign (dominant hand index finger striking the tip of the non-dominant hand index finger). The generally accepted sign for "not-possible" is the IMPOSSIBLE sign (dominant "Y"-hand striking the non-dominant hand palm twice).
Cordially,
To me, signing CAN-(negative-head-shake) feels "very" awkward and at best might be used to mean "not able." Even for "not able" I would tend to use the actual NOT sign prior to signing CAN. Example: "HE/SHE NOT CAN WALK" = "He isn't able to WALK." I wouldn't recommend that though. Instead I'd just suggest signing "HE/SHE CAN'T WALK." Then if the other person said, "HE/SHE LAZY!" at that point I might sign, "NO! HE/SHE NOT CAN WALK! HIS/HER LEG BROKE!"
However the generally accepted sign for "can not" or "can't" is the CAN'T sign (dominant hand index finger striking the tip of the non-dominant hand index finger). The generally accepted sign for "not-possible" is the IMPOSSIBLE sign (dominant "Y"-hand striking the non-dominant hand palm twice).
Cordially,
- Dr. Bill
Notes: The sign "CAN" is the basis for the sign "POSSIBLE."
Also see: CAN'T
Notes:
Where this sign is taught:
Taught in Lesson 05.Reviewed in lessons: 07, 11, 14, 19, 22, 23, 36, 39, 40, 44, 45
Practice sentences using this sign:
CAN YOU DRIVE YOU? (Can you drive?)COMPUTER, CAN YOU fs-FIX? (Can you fix computers?)
CAN YOU SPELL THEIR-singular NAME? (Can you spell her/his/their name?)
PERSON TOLD-you CAN GET HORSE, WHO? (Who told you you can get a horse?)
DEAF CAN CALL HEARING-[culturally], HOW? (How can Deaf people call Hearing people?)
WORK YOU? SICK DAY VACATION YOU CAN HOW-MANY? (Do you work? How many days of sick-leave do you get?)
CAN YOU MANAGE YOUR-SELF BUSINESS? (Can you run your own business?)
CAN DEAF GO COLLEGE FREE?
ALGEBRA, CAN YOU EXPLAIN ME?
YOU THINK PERSON CAN FLY WITHOUT AIRPLANE?
... and 15 more practice sentences use this sign.