How to Sign “All Done” in Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), “all done” is usually shown with the sign often glossed as FINISH. Hold both hands open in front of your chest with fingers spread and palms facing you, then twist your wrists outward so your palms turn away from you. Many people repeat the twist once or twice. This is also the version widely taught as the “all done” sign for babies and toddlers.

One clarification matters before you use it. Sign languages are not universal. The sign described here is ASL, the sign language most commonly used in the United States. British Sign Language, Auslan and other national sign languages use their own signs for “finished,” so check which language your conversation partner uses.

Step by step

• 1. Start position: raise both hands to about chest height, a comfortable distance in front of your body.
• 2. Handshape: open each hand with all five fingers spread. ASL learners call this the “5” handshape.
• 3. Orientation: turn your palms toward your own chest, fingertips pointing up or slightly toward each other.
• 4. Movement: rotate both wrists outward so your palms end facing away from you or slightly down.
• 5. Repetition: for a relaxed “all done,” repeat the twist once or twice. For a single, clear statement, one firm twist is enough.
• 6. Facial expression: keep your face matched to your meaning. In ASL, facial expression is part of the grammar, not decoration.

How meaning can shift

The same sign can carry different meanings depending on context and delivery. Beyond “all done” or “finished,” FINISH can mark that something has already happened. A sharp, emphatic single movement with a stern expression can read as “stop that” or “that’s enough.” If you want a neutral “I’m done,” use a calm motion and a relaxed face.

Checking that you signed it correctly

• Fingers spread, not closed into a flat hand.
• Palms start facing you and end facing outward. The rotation is the core of the sign.
• The motion comes from your wrists, not from waving your whole arm.
• Both hands move together and mirror each other.

A mirror or your own camera preview can help you check handshape and orientation. Keep in mind that many camera previews flip the image horizontally, so your hands appear reversed on screen even though the other person sees them correctly.

Making the sign readable on a video call

If you are signing over video, being in the frame is not the same as being clearly understood. Leave room above your waist so both hands and your face stay in view during the twist. Light your face and hands from the front. A plain physical background that contrasts with your skin tone and clothing makes the handshape easier to see.

Virtual background and blur effects can sometimes cut off or smear fast-moving hands. If a viewer has trouble reading your signs, try turning the effect off and testing again.

Limits of this guide

No sourced reference material was supplied for this article. The description above reflects the commonly taught form of the sign. Regional and personal variations exist, including one-handed and less pronounced versions. For confirmation, check with a Deaf signer, a qualified ASL instructor or an established ASL dictionary, especially if you are learning the sign for ongoing communication rather than a single phrase.