How to Sign All Done in Sign Language
Learn how to sign 'all done' (finished) in ASL. Hold both open hands up palm-in, then flip them outward to palm-out. Step-by-step baby sign guide.
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Quick answer
To sign 'all done' (also called FINISHED) in ASL, hold both open hands up in front of your chest with palms facing you, then quickly flip them outward so the palms face away. The flipping motion signals that an activity is complete.
How to Sign All Done in Sign Language
“All done” — also signed as FINISHED — is a go-to sign for mealtimes, playtime, and any moment a child or adult wants to signal that something is complete. To make it, hold both open hands up near your chest with the palms facing you and fingers pointing up, then quickly flip them outward so the palms face away from your body. The brisk flipping motion clearly communicates “that’s it, we’re finished.”
It is one of the most practical signs in baby sign language and a natural partner to “more.”
Step-by-Step: Signing All Done
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Handshape | Open both hands, fingers spread or relaxed (a “5” handshape). |
| 2. Starting position | Hold both hands up near your chest, palms facing you. |
| 3. Movement | Quickly twist both hands outward. |
| 4. Ending position | Palms now face away from you. |
| 5. Expression | A clear, decisive face reinforces “we’re finished.” |
The motion is quick and confident — a single flip, not a slow rotation.
All Done vs. More: The Mealtime Pair
In baby sign language, “all done” and “more” are usually taught together because they cover the two most common mealtime requests.
| Sign | How It’s Made | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| All done | Both open hands flip from palm-in to palm-out | Finished, complete |
| More | Two flattened-O hands tap fingertips | Wants additional |
Teaching both gives a child a way to say “I want more” and “I’m finished,” dramatically reducing mealtime frustration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Flipping too slowly. The motion should be a quick, clear flip, not a gradual turn.
- Using only one hand when teaching babies. Two hands make the sign larger and easier for a child to see and copy.
- Starting with palms already out. Begin with palms toward you so the flip is visible.
- Confusing it with “stop.” “Stop” chops one hand into the other palm; “all done” flips both hands outward.
All Done Across Sign Languages
The idea of being finished is signed differently in the world’s independent sign languages.
| Sign Language | Approach |
|---|---|
| American (ASL) | Both open hands flipping outward |
| British (BSL) | Uses its own distinct gesture for “finished” |
| Australian (Auslan) | Related to BSL; differs from ASL |
| Baby Sign (ASL-based) | Same two-handed flip, often approximated by infants |
Related Signs to Learn Next
“All done” pairs naturally with these everyday and mealtime signs:
- MORE — two flattened-O hands tapping fingertips.
- EAT — flattened-O hand tapping the mouth.
- MILK — squeeze an open hand into a fist.
- STOP — chop the side of one hand into the open palm of the other.
- WANT — both palms up, curling and pulling toward the body.
Because it is quick, visible, and immediately useful, “all done” is among the most rewarding first signs for families and a clear, practical addition to any ASL beginner’s vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'all done' in ASL?
Hold both open hands up near your chest with the palms facing toward you and fingers pointing up. Then quickly twist or flip both hands outward so the palms face away from you. This flipping motion is the ASL sign for 'all done' or 'finished.'
Is 'all done' the same sign as 'finished'?
Yes. ASL uses the same sign — both open hands flipping from palm-in to palm-out — for 'all done,' 'finished,' and 'done.' The slight intensity and facial expression can shade the meaning, but the handshape and motion are identical.
Why is 'all done' a useful baby sign?
'All done' lets a child indicate they are finished eating, playing, or with an activity, which reduces frustration and mess at mealtimes. It pairs naturally with 'more,' giving babies two opposing requests — wanting more or being finished — early in their communication.
Can 'all done' be signed with one hand?
The standard sign uses both hands flipping outward, but a quick one-handed version is common in casual conversation. For teaching babies and for clarity, the two-handed version is preferred because the motion is larger and easier to recognize.
What is the difference between 'all done' and 'stop' in sign language?
'All done' flips both open hands from palm-in to palm-out to show completion. 'Stop' chops the side of one flat hand down onto the open palm of the other hand. 'All done' means finished, while 'stop' is a command to halt an ongoing action.