How to sign “confess”

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), “confess” is commonly signed with the same sign used for “admit.” Place both open hands flat against your chest, palms facing you and fingertips pointing down. Then move your hands forward and slightly up, turning your palms to face upward as they leave your body. The motion suggests bringing something out from inside yourself and offering it openly.

This guide describes ASL, the sign language most widely used in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, have their own vocabulary and may sign this concept differently.

Step by step

• 1. Hold both hands open and flat, fingers together.
• 2. Rest your fingertips or palms lightly on your upper chest, palms toward your body and fingers pointing down.
• 3. Move both hands forward, away from your chest, in one smooth motion.
• 4. As your hands move out, rotate your wrists so your palms finish facing up, as if presenting something.
• 5. Let your facial expression match what you mean, because expression is part of the message in ASL.

The parts of the sign

ASL signs are often described by a few components: handshape (the shape your hands make), location (where on or near the body the sign happens), movement, and palm orientation (which way your palms face). Changing one of these can change the sign or make it unclear.

Component | What to do

Handshape | Both hands open and flat, fingers together

Starting location | Against the upper chest

Starting palm orientation | Palms facing your body, fingertips pointing down

Movement | Forward and slightly upward, away from the chest

Ending palm orientation | Palms facing up

When the meaning changes

The English word “confess” covers more than one idea. The sign described here fits the everyday sense of admitting something, such as owning up to a mistake or revealing a secret. Religious confession, such as the sacrament in some Christian traditions, may be expressed with a different sign within those communities. If you need the religious meaning, ask someone who signs in that setting.

Facial expression and body language also shape how the sign reads. A reluctant admission, a serious confession and a lighthearted one can all use the same hand movement but look different on the face. Signs can also vary between regions and individual signers, so you may see versions that differ slightly from this description.

Checking your sign and known gaps

No verified source material was supplied for this article. The description above reflects how the sign is commonly taught, but a written explanation cannot show timing, rhythm or facial expression. To confirm you are signing it correctly, compare your movement with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary, or ask a fluent signer, ideally a Deaf ASL user or a qualified instructor, to watch you sign it. Their feedback is the most reliable check, especially if you plan to use the sign in conversation with Deaf people.