}Mom & Dad

MOM:

Make the sign for "Mother" by placing the thumb of your right hand against

your chin.  Your hand should be open, in a "five shape."

 

Here is a side view of "MOM"

  DAD

Make the sign for "Father" by placing the thumb of your right hand against your forehead.  Your hand should be open,

Some people wiggle their fingers slightly while doing the signs mother and father, but you don't

need to.

DAD:

Boy & GirlMake the sign for "Boy" by first making the sign for "male" - grab a cap on your forehead and move it forward. 

BOY:

Make the sign for "Girl" by first making the sign for "female" - thumb traces jawbone from near your ear to your chin. 

Then indicate the height of the girl with palm down.

Want more info? See GIRL

Marriage

The sign for "marriage" is made by clasping both hands comfortably together.  For right-handed people the right

hand should be on top of the left hand.

HUSBAND:

WIFE:

Okay, let me show you a "compound" way to sign "WIFE."  Instead of signing "GIRL + MARRIAGE" I simply bring a modified "C" handshape down from my chin. I consider this to be a better way to sign WIFE because it is more efficient.  The sign for HUSBAND also can be "compounded" and uses a modified "C" as the starting and ending handshape. 

WIFE:

 

Tip: think of a couple joining hands at their wedding.

Brother & Sister

Brother:

Brother: Variation:Here is a variation of the sign for "brother." This sign is made by first signing "male" or "boy" as if you were grabbing a cap. 

Next, bring both index fingers together in front of you. 

The second half of this sign (two index fingers close together, pointing forward) actually means "SAME." 

Memory aid: BOY + SAME = BROTHER: Think of two boys from the same family.

Sister:

 

Sister: Variation:Here is a variation of the sign for "sister." It is made by first touching your cheek with the thumb of your right hand, as when signing "female." 

Next, bring both index fingers together in front of you. 

The first part of this sign, if signed by itself means "girl" or "female." The second part means same.Memory aid:  GIRL + SAME = SISTER.  Think of two girls in the same family.

  Tip: think that the boy and girl come from the same family.

Grandmother & GrandfatherThe sign for "grandmother" is made by

touching your chin with the thumb of your right hand, as when signing "mother." 

The right hand should be open. 

Now, move your hand forward in two small arches.

 

The sign for "grandfather" is made by touching your forehead with the thumb of your right hand, as when signing "father." 

The right hand should be open. 

Now, move your hand forward in two small arches.

Here's a view of "grandfather" from the front:

Note:  The signs for grandmother and grandfather can make two arcs, or they can just move forward straight out from the forehead about eight inches.

Tip: think of the double hand movement as referring to an older generation.

Aunt & Uncle

The sign for "aunt" is made by first shaping the right hand to form the letter "A." 

Hold your hand close to your right cheek. 

From the wrist, shake your hand slightly back and forth.

 

The sign for "uncle" is made by first shaping the right hand to form the letter

"U." 

Hold your hand close to your right temple. 

From the wrist, shake your hand slightly back and forth.

 

Note: there is another way to sign "AUNT" and "UNCLE."  Instead of twisting the sign back and forth, you can draw a little circle in the air with either an "A" or a "U."

UNCLE:

 

Tip: think of the initial for "Aunt" or "Uncle" next to the female or male-related sign position.  Notice how most male signs (boy, man, uncle, father, brother...) are near the forehead or "brain" area--which is to say, where the thinking occurs, but most female-related signs (mother, sister, aunt) are near the mouth where the talking occurs? I pointed this out to my wife and she explained it to me:  "Men think they know what they are talking about, women really do."

BabyAlso see:  DAUGHTER and SON

The sign for "baby" is made by placing both arms together as if holding an infant.  Then gently rock your arms back and forth.  Tip: think of holding a baby in

your arms.

Variation:  Some people place the right hand over the left hand (both palms up) and use an up and down motion (as if comforting a crying baby). 

SingleThe sign for "single" is made by holding the right arm in front of you, palm up. 

Your right index finger makes circular motions about the size of a quarter.

The movement is in your shoulder and elbow, not in your wrist. 

Another way to sign "single" as in:  I'm not married.

Single, alone, somebody, something:

only, only one, just...

Variation of SINGLE:This sign means "single" as in "not married."  This is an "initialized sign."  Some people say it isn't ASL. See discussion below for more info.

Divorce and Separate

The sign for "divorce" is made by first forming the letter "d" with both hands. 

Hold both hands together with knuckles touching and palms facing each other. 

With a twisting motion, move both hands outward and sideways so both palms face

forward.

The sign for "separate" or "apart" is made by touching both hands together at the

knuckles. 

The hands should both be bent. 

Now, move the hands away from each other.

 

Tip: think of two objects or two people that were once together as now being apart.

Home

The sign for "home" is made by bringing your fingers and thumb together and

touching your cheek at the side of your mouth. 

Then move your hand an inch or two toward your ear and touch your cheek

again.

HOME:

 

Tip: think of the place where you eat and sleep.

If you do this sign with a "D" it means "dorm."

Work

The sign for "work" is made by shaping both hands into the letter "s." 

With your palms facing downward, tap your left wrist or the back of your hand a

few times with your right wrist.

Here is a variation:

 

Tip: think of working with a hammer.

School

Note: Also see: Deaf School

Sign:  SCHOOLOther meanings:  "Academic"  Handshape:  relaxed "5" handsLocation: Normal signing area in front of the body Orientation: Right hand faces down.  Left hand faces up.

Movement:  Clap the hands together twice.  (Do it quietly.  No need to make noise. Duh.)

 

Tip: think of a teacher clapping her hands to get the student's attention.

StoreThe sign for "store" is made by bending both wrists and pointing both hands down. 

Pivot both of your hands toward and away from your body. 

Use a double motion.   If you use a single motion, this sign means "sell."  I've noticed though, that quite a few signers use the single motion to mean "store" and use the double motion to mean, "selling."  This is opposite the "noun/verb pair" principle.  So, even though I still teach that the "right" way to sign "store" is with a double motion, I also encourage my students to be flexible in the "real world." 

(The fingertips swing forward and back a couple times.)

Church

The sign for "church" is made by forming the letter "c" with the right hand. 

Close your left hand. 

Place the thumb of your right hand on the back of your left hand.

Variation:Tap the thumb of your right "C" hand on the back of your left fist. Repeat.  Note: the movement is up and down, not circular.  Compare this sign with "computer."

Come & Go

COME:  Uses a single quick movement:

Here is another variation of the sign for "come."   This is a somewhat more "English" version of the sign.

COME:

Make the sign for "come" by pointing both index fingers toward each other. 

Rotate both fingers around one another. 

Move both hands toward your body.

GO:

Make the sign for "go" by pointing both index fingers toward each other. 

Rotate both fingers around one another. 

Move both hands away from your body.

Here is another way to sign "GO."  Notice the single, quick movement:

Note: For both signs, some people use a sweeping arc motion instead of a rotating motion.

Now, here is a sign I've noticed during my travels:It means:  "Hey man, let's jam."

"Come-on."  This is a common gesture as in "Come-on let's go."

Car/Drive

The sign for "car" or "drive" is made by using both hands in a closed position. 

Move both hands as if controlling a steering wheel.  To differentiate between "car" and "drive," sign "car" smaller and "drive" larger. Drive can also be modified by using a "forward and back" movement, and various facial expressions.

In & Out

Make the sign for "in" by closing the fingers of the right hand. 

Form the left hand into a "c." 

Place the right hand fingers into the left hand.

 

Make the sign for "out" by placing the fingers of your right hand into a left "C" handshape. Pull your right

hand "out" of the left hand.

With

The sign WITH can be modified to mean many different things. When you put the "A" hands together, it means "WITH" in general.  If you hold the "A" hands together and then make a sweeping horizontal circle (while keeping them together--looks like you are stirring a witch's brew on Halloween) it means "TOGETHER."

The sign for "WITH" is made by forming the letter "a" with both hands.  Place both your hands together, palms facing. 

DayDAY: Version 1:The sign for "day" is made by holding your left arm in front of you, palm down, pointing right.  Your left hand can be in either a "flat handshape" or an "index finger handshape."  Your right hand can be either an "index finger" a "D-hand" or a "B-palm/flat hand." Rest your right elbow on the back of the left hand. Your right arm should point up. Move your right arm across your body, the hand tracing an arc while keeping the right elbow on or very near the back of the left hand.

Note: advanced signers often do very abbreviated versions of signs.  For example, they may do the sign for day with the tips of the fingers of left hand touching the midpoint of the right forearm instead of resting the right elbow on the back of the left hand.

DAY: Version 2Note:  You can use a "flat hand" (this is also sometimes called a "b-palm")  instead of an index finger.

There are many variations to this sign!  For example, to sign "all-day," start this sign with your right "flat hand" further to the right prior to moving your right arm.

Night

The sign for "night" is made by holding your left arm horizontally,

palm down and pointing right. 

Put your right wrist on the back of your left hand, right-fingertips

pointing down. 

NIGHT:

EVERY-NIGHT:

Week

The sign for "week" is made by moving your right hand forward over the left palm.  The index finger of the right hand is extended.

Month

The sign for "month" is made by pointing upward with your left index finger. The

palm of the left hand should face right. The palm of the right hand should face back, (or

down).  Trace the right index finger from the top to the bottom of the left index

finger. 

Repeat a couple times if you wish to sign "monthly," "every-month," or "rent."

MONTH:

 

EVERY-MONTH:

Last month (a combination of "past" and month.")

NEXT MONTH:

SIX MONTHS:

 

Year

Also see:  Advanced discussion YEAR:   [annually, last-year, next-year, numerical incorporation]YEAR: The sign for "year" is made by forming

both hands into the letter "S."  Rotate the right hand completely around the left. The right hand should come to rest on top of the left.  Repeat as needed for "years."

Discussion: 

KC: I could not visualize "year".

DrVicars:  Hold your left "S" hand in

front of your belly or chest a foot or so out, then hold the right "S" hand above the left. Then move the right forward, then down then back, then up and finally back to the starting place, having made a circle around the left "S" hand. Think of the earth circling the sun in one year's time.  That help?

KC: Oh, I had it sideways, thanks.

DrVicars:  Please not that the more "casual" way of signing this concept holds the right hand above the left hand and does a very quick, small rotating movement but the right hand stays above the left hand and doesn't actually circle the left hand. It comes to rest upon the top of the left hand.

YEAR:

Future

The sign for "future" is made by holding your right hand close to the

right temple or cheek with your palm facing left. Move your hand

forward. The further you move your hand, the more time into the future.

This sign can also mean "WILL" as in, "Will you go (to) college?"

Sometimes you'll see a double arch movement which means "someday"

or "far in the future."

Far in the future:

Later dude:

Past

The sign for "past" is made by moving your right hand over your right shoulder. 

Your palm should face your body. 

The more emphasis you give the motion indicates the amount of time into the past.

"before""last" as in "last night"

previously

Use to be...

A while back...Back when...

Once upon a time, long, long, ago...

Hey man, that's ancient history!

 

NOW / the present / current / contemporary

The sign for "now" is made by placing both of your hands in front of you in "Y" handshapes.  Each hand should be pointing upward.  Sharply drop both of your hands a

short distance. 

Note: if you use a small bounce in this sign, it can mean "TODAY."

Or you can combine the sign "NOW" with "DAY" to mean "TODAY." 

Here is an old version of "NOW" that you might still see in use in some parts of the world.

Note the different handshape?  This version is using "bent hands."

Past

The sign for "past" is made by moving your right hand over your right shoulder. 

Your palm should face your body. 

The more emphasis you give the motion indicates the amount of time into the past.

"before""last" as in "last night"

previously

Use to be...

A while back...Back when...

Once upon a time, long, long, ago...

Hey man, that's ancient history!

NOW / the present / current / contemporary

The sign for "now" is made by placing both of your hands in front of you in "Y" handshapes.  Each hand should be pointing upward.  Sharply drop both of your hands a

short distance. 

Note: if you use a small bounce in this sign, it can mean "TODAY."

Or you can combine the sign "NOW" with "DAY" to mean "TODAY." 

Here is an old version of "NOW" that you might still see in use in some parts of the world.

Note the different handshape?  This version is using "bent hands."

Finish

FINISH / over / done

The sign for "finish" is made by placing both of your open hands in front of you. 

Each hand should face you, with your fingers pointing upward.  Twist both hands

quickly a couple times ending with the palms pointing (somewhat) forward.  You

can also do this sign with just a single twist which makes it seem more "final."

Hot & Cold

Make the sign for "hot" by forming the letter "c" with the right hand. 

Place your thumb and fingers at the sides of your mouth. 

Quickly turn your hand forward to the right.

 

Make the sign for "cold" by forming both hands into the letter "s." 

Hold both hands in front of you and shake them.

PizzaOpinions on the best sign for PIZZA are as varied as opinions on who makes the best pizza in town and what toppings are the most delicious.  The fact is there are several popular variations for this sign.  Depending on where you live, a particular variation may be more popular than other variations.  If someone doesn't like your variation, do what I do...throw some pizza crust at him or her.  Um...wait, what I meant to say was, ask what variation they use.  After a while you will get a feel for what works in your area.

Variation 1:

Here is a highly recognizable sign that is easy to remember. 

You use a "P" handshape to draw a "Z" in the air. The tip of the index finger is pointing toward the person to whom you are

signing.  (In most sign language dictionaries, unless it says or shows otherwise, you can assume the sign points toward the listener.)

Note:  Some people might consider this to be an "English-like sign."   Some people don't even like pizza either.  No, really, I'm serious. Stop laughing!  It's true! 

Variation 2:

Here is a variation that I don't care for but find myself having to teach because many of my colleagues in this area of the world use it. The sign looks as if you are shoving a piece of pizza in your mouth.  (Use a repeated movement).I don't like it because it is a very awkward sign to produce, but many people in my area are adamant that it is the "right" sign to use.

Let's get a side view on that so you can see the handshape better. Remember, use a repeated movement.

Milk

The sign for "milk" is made by forming the right hand into the letter "s." 

Open and close your hand, alternating between the letters "c" and "s." 

Hamburger

The sign for "hamburger" is made by cupping your right hand on top of your

left hand. 

Now reverse the position of both hands.Memory hint: Think of forming

hamburger into a "patty" so you can BBQ it.  :-)

Make sure to invite your ASL teacher to the BBQ.  

HotdogThe sign for "hotdog" is

made by forming both hands into the letter "c." While moving your hands out to

the side, change the handshapes to the letter "S" back to a "C" and to an "S"

again.

Tip: think of making an old-fashioned string of sausages.

EggThe sign for "egg" is made by forming both

hands into the letter "h." 

Bring your right middle finger down on top of your left. 

Move both hands down and out. 

Another way to do this sign is to bring the right hand "h" down onto the left hand "h,"

then lift the right hand up an inch or so while bringing up the left hand a half-inch and then bring both hands down and apart. 

This second version is soft of like "cracking and egg and then lifting the egg

up a bit to break it apart into your pan.

Apple

The sign for "apple" is made by closing your hand and placing the knuckle of your

right index finger against your cheek. 

At the same time, pivot the hand back and forth. 

Note: Many people use an "a" handshape instead of the "x" handshape.

CheeseThe sign for "cheese" is made by bringing both hands together.  Rotate your right hand back and forth.

Student: I don't really understand how to sign cheese...like how to rotate?

Dr Vicars: You rotate the heel of the right hand on the palm of the left back and forth as if trying to press the moisture out of a piece of cheese that is within a piece of cheese cloth. The butt of the right hand stays on the palm of the left. The finger tips of the right hand swing back and forth right to left a couple times pivoting on the heel of the hand. The right hand fingers are relaxed--spread out just a titch and bent a little.   Does that help?

Student: Better =)

drink

The sign for "drink" is made by forming your right hand into the letter "c." 

Move the hand to your mouth in a short arc. 

Drink:

Spoon & ForkMake the sign for "spoon" by forming the letter

"h" with the right hand. Place your left palm facing upward.  Lift the right hand from your left

hand toward your mouth a few times.  The difference between "spoon" and "soup" depends

on which person you ask.  I personally differentiate between the two by making the sign for spoon a little faster and keep my right hand

closer to the left hand. (The right doesn't travel as close to the mouth when signing spoon as it does

when sign soup).  When signing spoon I also tend to "drop" the bowl (left hand) after I ladle out of it twice with the spoon.  What I mean is I hold the left hand in a cupping shape then I use the right index and middle finger (in a slightly

curved "u" or "h" shape)  to represent the spoon.  I scoop the "spoon" into the palm of my left hand

twice and then I immediately "drop/relax" my left-hand while still holding the right hand for an extra moment or two.  By relaxing the left hand

but continuing to keep the right hand in the "spoon" shape it emphasizes that I'm talking

about a spoon. 

For the sign, "soup" I would keep the left hand "in the picture" until the end of the sign and I

would also bring the "spoonful of soup" to within a couple inches of my mouth to emphasize the

"soup" aspect of the sign.

Make the sign for "fork" by forming your right hand into the letter "v." 

Turn your left palm upward. 

Move your right hand into your left palm a few times.

Cup

The sign for "cup" is made by forming your right hand into the letter "c."  Place your right hand into your uplifted left palm. Some people use a very small repeated movement.

This sign can also be used to mean "can" as in a container of food.

BOTTLE or GLASS:This concept is a variation of "cup" that shows a larger shape.  Suppose, for some reason, you needed to differentiate between a cup, a glass, and a bottle.  You could sign:

CUP: using a small double motion that starts two inches off the palm, touches, comes up an inch then touches again.

GLASS using a larger motion that starts on the palm, moves about 3 and a half inches off the palm, then moves back to the palm.

BOTTLE:  using a larger motion that starts on the palm and moves about five inches up.  A variation of this sign is to change the handshape from a "C" to an "O" as you move it up.

CerealThe sign for "cereal" is made by placing your right index finger - palm down - at the right corner of your mouth.

While moving your hand to the left corner of your mouth, change the handshape into an "x."  Alternate between the letter "x" and your straight index finger a couple of times. The movement is from right to left.

Water

The sign for "water" is made by forming your right hand into the letter "w." 

Touch your mouth with your index finger. 

Repeat a few times. 

Candy (sugar) (cute)

CANDY: Twist the tip of your index finger on your cheek.

Cookie

The right (or dominant) hand is in a loose "C" handshape. You bring the right hand down onto the left hand, then you lift up the right hand rotate it and bring it down again on the left hand.

Twist your right hand as if cutting out cookies from cookie dough. 

Student:   Does cookie use a rotating letter C in the palm of the the opposite hand?

Dr Vicars: You could use the letter "c" but I use a more relaxed "claw type" hand.

Hungry  (wish)

The sign for "hungry" is made by forming your right hand into the letter "c." 

Move your hand down the middle of your chest, starting under your throat.

Note: This is the same sign as the sign "wish."  Some people start the sign for "wish" on the upper chest  and prefer to

start "hungry" from a slightly lower position. Think of a "wish" coming from your heart, and hunger coming from your

belly.  But, again, it is okay to use the same sign for both concepts.

Shirt

The way to sign "shirt" is by grabbing your shirt in the upper chest area - in the middle or slightly to the right - between your index finger and thumb.  Then tug outward a few times. The sign for shirt can be done with one hand or two. If you do it with one hand though it might sometimes be misunderstood to mean "volunteer."

SHIRT / volunteer / apply

PantsThe sign for "pants" is made by placing both of your hands in an open position just below your waist.  Bring both hands up to your waist.  As your hands come up, bend your knuckles and curl your fingers up a bit.

PANTS (Version 1)  (Use a double movement.)

Socks

The sign for "socks" is made by pointing both of your index fingers down.  Rub the fingers together a few times. 

 

ShoesThe sign for "shoes" is made by closing both hands, thumbs facing. Gently strike your

hands together twice.

CoatCOAT:  The sign for "coat" is made by forming both hands into the letter "a."  Place both hands at the base of your neck.  Now move both hands downward to your lower chest:

Underwear

The sign for "underwear" is made by using the index finger and thumb of

each hand to trace the outline of your underwear. 

Your palms face backward. 

Your hand shape changes from an upside down "L" to a closed "G." 

Underwear:

Underwear:

Bra, or bikini top:

Wash

The sign for "wash" is made by closing both hands.   

Make a circular "scrubbing" movement with the hand that is on top--as if washing

something.

Wash in general:

Hurt /  PainThe sign for "hurt" is made by extending the index fingers of both hands.  Bring the fingers toward each other twice using a jabbing movement.  A variation of this sign is to do a twisting movement as you bring the tips of the index fingers toward each other. The right hand twists one way and the left hand twists the other.

Note:  Both versions of the sign for "HURT / PAIN" can be done on or near the part of the body that is feeling pain.  For example if you have a toothache, you can indicate that in one sign by doing the sign "hurt" near the side of your jaw.  If you have a headache, you can indicate it by signing "hurt" near your forehead.

HURT / PAIN Version 1:  Use a twisting movementUse a single movement to indicate a process. As in "If you do that you will get hurt."

Use a double movement to indicate a state.  As in, "He is in a lot of pain."

Animation: hurt

USE FACIAL EXPRESSION with this sign:  Note:  Remember, ASL is a language that depends heavily on facial expressions.  If you are in "SERIOUS PAIN" then you need to show it on your face.

Version 2:  Use a double jabbing movement.

 

Note:  Both versions of the sign for "HURT / PAIN" can be done on or near the part of the body that is feeling pain.  For example if you have a toothache, you can indicate that in one sign by doing the sign "hurt" near the side of your jaw.  If you have a headache, you can indicate it by signing "hurt" near your forehead.

Bathroom

The sign for "bathroom" is made by forming the right hand into the letter "t."  The palm side is facing away from you. Shake your hand side to side a couple

times. Some people use a twisting movement instead of the side to side

shake.  Either is fine.

Note:Here I'm asking, "Do you need to go to the bathroom?"  (A frequent question in households with children and/or developmentally disabled folks.)

Brush teeth

The sign for "brush teeth" is made by using the index finger of your right hand to brush

your teeth using a side to side horizontal movement.  

 

TEETH:Note:  The sign "teeth" is NOT part of the sign "brush teeth."  

Sleep

See: sleep-in

The sign for "sleep" is made by opening your right hand and placing it in front of

your face, palm toward you. 

Move your hand downward toward your chin. 

While the hand is moving, bring your fingers together and touch them with your

thumb. 

Side view:

NICE and/ or CLEAN

The sign for "nice" or "clean" is made by placing your left hand in front of you, palm up.  Move the flat palm of your right hand across your left hand.  Start by the wrist and end at the fingertips.  Heather:  Are "CLEAN" and "NICE" the same sign? DrBill:  Yes, they are signed the same way.  Something to note though, if you want to sign "clean-up" as in "clean up your bedroom" you would use a double motion.  (Repeat the sign to mean:  "cleaning, or clean-up.") 

HappyThe sign for "happy" is made by placing one or both of your hands in front of you. 

Use "flat" hands, palms pointing back.  Circle your hands forward, down, back, up, forward, down, back, up.  Both hands move at the same time and in the same direction. On the upward swing the hands are very close to your chest or touch your chest.  On the downward swing your hands are further away from your chest. 

Note: Some people slightly "slap" the chest - other people don't even touch. 

Note:  During casual everyday use this sign is sometimes done with just one hand.  When used in the song "Happy Birthday to You" it is typically done with two hands. 

 

AngryThe sign for "angry" is made by forming "claw" hands and placing your fingertips against your stomach. 

Pull both hands forcefully up and outward. 

Memory hint: "As if being so mad you could rip your guts out."

Sandy:  "Aren't the thumbs extended?"DrBill:  When I sign ANGRY, I notice I start with the fingers and thumbs of both hands in a "five" handshape.  So, yes the thumbs are extended at the beginning of this sign. Then as I pull the sign up and slightly away from the body my fingers and thumbs flex more.  The fingers bend at the second and third knuckles but not at the

first knuckle (large knuckles).

VERY IMPORTANT:  Use an angry facial expression.

For more information see:"Angry/Mad advanced discussion."Also see: "MAD"

Sad

The sign for "sad" is made by placing both hands in front of your face, palms in. 

Bring both of your hands down the length of your face. 

Tilt your head forward slightly, and make a sad face. 

Sorry

The sign for "sorry" is made by forming either an "a" or an "s" with your right

hand.  Rotate your hand over your heart in a few clockwise motions. 

This sign can be used to mean "apologize" or "regret."

SORRY:  Use a "sorry" facial expression and draw a circle on your chest with your

right A or S hand.

CryThe sign for "cry" is made by placing one or both index fingers under your eyes. 

Bring your fingers down over your cheeks a few times.

Heather:  I've seen this with an alternating movement.

DrBill:  Yes.  You'll see lots of variation on this one.  For example, using a "4-handshape" on each hand instead of just the "index fingers" is a way of indicating that you are crying a lot.  Or start with "S" handshapes and then suddenly move them downward and change them into "4-handshapes" with the fingers wiggling as you move the hands downward to indicate you are having a "major bawl." 

LIKE / Don't Like

LIKE:  This sign is used to mean "to enjoy or have an affinity for" someone or something.  Note, this sign doesn't mean "similar."

Version 1:

Note: In the above sequence, the first picture is optional.  Most of the time I start the sign a bit out from my chest with my middle finger and thumb pointing back toward my chest (but not touching either my chest or each other).  Then I move the hand forward while bringing the index and thumb together.

 

LIKE Version 1 ends up in an "8" handshape.  This is how it looks to you at the end of the sign:

 

Heather:  I saw a sign like this that used both hands?DrBill:  That would mean "interested" or "appreciate." 

LIKE:  (Version 2)  Another way to sign "like" is by placing both your right thumb and your index finger close to your chest. Extend your other fingers. As you move your hand forward slightly, bring your thumb and index finger together. 

 

Now, let's suppose I were signing the sentence, "What do you like?" Notice the wh-facial expression in the following example:

DON'T-LIKEThe sign for DON'T-LIKE.  This sign uses what is called "reversal of orientation for negation."

If you mean LIKE as in, "similar" as in the following sentence:"This one is like/similar to that one," you should use a sign that means "same."

good and bad  Also check out "better and best."

Make the sign for "good" by placing the fingers of your right hand against your lips. Move your right hand into the palm of your left hand.  Both hands should be facing upward. 

Note: Often this sign is done without the left hand. When signed with the right hand only, this sign can mean, "thank you" or it can still mean "good." For example, when signing "good morning" I rarely use the left hand.

HEATHER:  I've seen this sign off the chin instead of the lips.  Does that change the meaning?DrBill:  No.  It still means the same thing.  HEATHER:  How can I tell if they are saying "Thank you," or "Good?"DrBill:  By the context of the sentence. Or sometimes by lip movements.  One slight difference between the signs "GOOD" and "THANK YOU" is that the sign "THANK YOU" is "directional."  That means it is signed toward the person whom is being thanked. GOOD is signed with a simple downward movement.I remember teaching a class to the co-workers of a deaf employee.  When I taught this sign, the deaf employee insisted that "GOOD" was off the lips and "THANK YOU" was off the chin.  I just smiled and informed the students that they would see it both ways in the deaf community but when around their co-worker to sign it his way.

(Bad)Note:  The sign for "BAD" is very similar to "GOOD" except there is a reversal of orientation for negation--which means that by twisting the palm-side of the hand so that it points down (instead of up--as in the sign for good) it now means the opposite of good.  You also change your facial expression to match your meaning.  Generally this is a frown or scowl when signing "BAD."   Make the sign for "BAD" by placing the fingers of your right hand against your

lips. 

Move your hand down and away. 

Your palm will now be facing downward.

BAD:

When you get a moment, check out "better and best."Also, you may want to see the sign:  "GOOD-ENOUGH"

Love(Scroll down to see "HUG.")Also, I recommend you check out the "I love you" acronym sign:  ILY

The sign for "love" is made by crossing both hands over your heart. 

(Middle of your chest.)  Your hands may be closed or open, but the palm side should

face toward you.

See:  "Fall in love."

HUG: You can either use the "A" handshapes, like I do below, or you can grab onto the upper arms with "curved hands." Use a double movement.

"serious" HUG

 Note:  Deaf people hug more than Hearing people do.  It's a cultural thing.

pleaseThe sign for "please" is made by placing your flat right hand over the center of your chest.  Move your hand in a clockwise motion (from the observer's point of view, use a circular motion towards your left, down, right, and back up) a few times.   

               

Heather:  What does it mean if you do this with two hands?DrBill:  It means "enjoy" or a version of "appreciate."  Note, during the sign for enjoy, the right hand is on the chest or an inch or so out from the chest.  The left hand is on the belly or an inch our so out from the belly.  The right hand moves in a clockwise circle (from the viewer's perspective).  The left hand simultaneously moves in a counterclockwise motion.  

ENJOY:

             

ExcuseNote: compare with the sign for "NICE"

The general sign for "excuse" is made by extending your left hand, palm up.  Brush your right bent-hand fingertips across the left palm starting with the pinky on your right hand. Bend the large knuckles of the right hand slightly. Keep the other knuckles straight. 

This sign when done with a double movement means things like "excuse me." 

If you roll your eyes and shake your head a bit it can be used to mean, "Oh that's just an excuse."

If you just use a single movement, it means things like "laid off from work," "released from a church calling," or "paroled."

EXCUSE: Use a small double movement:

LAID-OFF / RELEASED FROM DUTY / PARDONED:Use a single, larger movement:

Thank you

The sign for "thank you" is made by starting with the fingers of your dominant hand near your lips.  Your hand should be a "flat hand."  Move your hand forward and a bit down in the direction of the person you are thanking.  Smile.Memory aid:  Don't pucker up, but imagine blowing a kiss to the person you are thanking.Note: If you use two hands with this sign it means you are "very" grateful.   Note:  This sign can also be interpreted to mean "good." For more information see the "good" page.

Help

The sign for "help" is made by closing your right hand. 

Place your right hand on the outstretched palm of your left hand. 

Raise both hands. 

Note: Many people make this sign by placing the left "s" or "a" hand on the right

"b" palm.

Who

WHO (Version 1)  Place the tip of the right thumb on their chin and extend the index finger. The index finger is then "fluttered" up and down a couple times by bending and unbending it at the middle knuckle.Memory aid: Think of your finger fluttering in the air that flows from your mouth when you say "who."Notice, some people do this sign without touching the chin.  They hold an "X" handshape in front of their chin/mouth and wiggle the index finger up and down (quickly changing it from an fully bent X to a partially bent X a couple times).

What

For more information, also see:  "Advanced discussion about the concept: WHAT."

There is a facial expression that is sometimes called a "wh-q" expression. It is the type of facial expression you should use when asking questions that have an answer other than yes or no.  Generally these questions start with the letters "wh" as do the signs WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY...so you can see why we call this expression a "wh" question expression.  Expressing the concept of "WHAT" has more to do with your facial expression than your hands.  For example, if I pointed to my watch and used the "wh-q" facial expression it would mean that I'm asking you "What time is it?"  You've probably already used this sign many times in your life.

WHAT  (main version)In the picture below I'm doing a general gesture for "what" while using the WHAT facial expression.Hold your relaxed "5" hands in front of you. Hunch your shoulders a bit. Jut your head forward a bit. 

Use a WH-Q (wh-question) facial expression. The hands move slightly forward and to the sides.

WHAT:  (alternate version) (not recommended)Here is a variation of the sign "WHAT" that is made by extending your base hand outward. Starting near the thumb, drag the tip of your index finger downward, across your palm.  Note: I don't teach this sign in my "ASL" classes.  Instead I use the general version (above). But I'll show this other version to you so you'll be able to recognize it if you see it.

This sign (index dragged across the palm) is valid, but is a waste of time.Imagine yourself asking an old man (deaf from old age) what time it is.  After he said "Huh? Speak up!"  You'd scrunch up your eyebrows and point to your watch while saying "What time is it?"  He'd understand your body language and would tell you the time.

 

When

The sign for "when" is made by holding your left index finger up. Your palm should face right.

Bring the tip of your right index finger near to the tip of your left index finger. 

Circle the tip of your right index finger in a clockwise motion around your left index finger and end with the tip of the right index finger touching the tip of the left finger. The movement is in the wrist.  Your arm doesn't move much on this sign.

Where

The sign for "where" is made using your index finger. Hold your hand in front of

you and "waggle" the finger side to side a couple of times.  Imagine yourself looking at a map on the wall.  You put your finger

on the map and move your fingertip a bit to the left then a bit to the right as you try to finger out "where" you are on the map. 

 

Notice the "furrowed eyebrows."  They are part of the sign.  You use "furrowed eyebrows" for all of the "wh-" question types:  WHO, WHEN, WHERE, WHY,

WHICH, FOR-FOR-(what-for)

Why

The sign for "why" is made by touching your forehead with the fingers of your

dominant hand. (Or just putting the hand near your forehead.)

 While bringing your hand forward and down a bit, change it to the letter "y,"

keeping your palm facing you. 

Here is another version of the sign, "WHY."  Notice the ending handshape?  The index finger isn't bent.  The middle finger and sometimes both the middle finger and the ring

finger "wiggle" a couple times.

howHow:  Version 1:  Form curved handshapes on both hands, palms down and/or slightly back. Place your hands together with the knuckles touching. (Looks kind of like McDonalds' Golden Arches.)  Roll the hands forward until the "arches" are upside down--ending with your hands palm-up in "cupping" handshapes.

How:  Version 2 Note: Some people just roll one hand forward.

Stop

The sign for "stop" is made by extending your left hand, palm upward. 

Sharply bring your open right hand down to your left hand at a right angle. 

Big / Large

BIG / LARGE:Notice in the sign below the "L" hand index fingers are bent?  That is a generic sign for "largeness" or the state of being big.  If I use "normal" "L" hands then the sign becomes an initialized sign for "LARGE." 

The larger you do the sign, the larger whatever you are talking about.

Note: if something is "very" large, you might also use the mouth morpheme "CHA."  You do this by mouthing / saying "cha" (on your lips not out loud) while doing the sign.

BIG:The sign for "big" is made by forming the letter "b" with both of your hands in front of you, palms facing inward. Move both hands away from each other. Move your hands beyond the width of your body - the further the distance, the larger the word described. When you do this sign with a "B" handshape, you are using an initialized sign. Many people consider this "Signed English" rather than ASL. But notice, I modify the "B" shape so that the thumbs are loosely alongside the palms and I curve the handshapes just a little bit.

Large:If you use normal (not modified or bent) "L" handshapes, then you are doing an "initialized" version.  This sign is considered to be "Signed English" rather than ASL.Note: Palms face toward each other (not out).

Tall

The sign for "tall" is made by extending the left hand, fingers up. 

Place your right index finger on the palm of your left hand, and move the finger in a

straight upward motion. 

TALL:

Full

The sign for "full" is made by extending the left closed hand. 

Open your right hand and move it over the top of your left fist. 

Note: if you reverse the motion, this sign means "ENOUGH"

Full of food:

I'm fed up with you!  I've had it up to here with you!

EmptyThe sign for "empty" is made by placing

your left hand down. 

Put your right middle finger on the back of your left hand. 

Move your right hand from your left wrist to beyond your knuckles. 

More

 

Sign:  MOREHandshape:  Both hands use a semi-flattened "o"Location: Normal signing space in front of the bodyOrientation: palms facing each otherMovement:  Inward. Bring both "flattened-O" hands together.

You might see it done this way.  That's okay.

If you want to say:  "One more" you can do it this way:  Note the index finger is the only thing moving in the sign "one-more."

Blue

The sign for "blue" is made by forming the letter "b" with your right hand. 

Twist/shake your hand from the elbow (the wrist doesn't bend on this sign). 

 

GreenThe sign for "green" is made by forming

the letter "g" with your right hand. 

Shake your hand from the wrist, and move it to the right. 

Yellow

The sign for "yellow" is made by forming the letter "y" with your right hand. 

Shake your hand from the wrist, and move it to the right. 

RedThe sign for "red" is made by stroking your lips one time with the tip of your index finger.The sign can also be made by forming the letter "R" with your right hand--but why?  The "index finger" version works just fine and means "red" without needing the more complex "R" handshape.  This is ASL -- not "English on the hands."

Notice in this example how I change the "index" finger into an "x" hand? Or you can just leave it as an index finger.  Either variation is fine.You will also see this sign done with a double motion.

 

Brown

The sign for "brown" is made by forming the letter "b" with your right hand. 

Move your right hand down the side of your right cheek. 

Your index finger should be close to your face. 

 

Orange

The sign for "orange," both the fruit and the color, is made by forming the letter "c"

and then "s."

You "squeeze" your right hand in front of your mouth several times. 

 

Gold & Silver

Make the sign for "gold" by placing your right index finger on your right ear. 

As you move your hand away from your ear, form the letter "y."

Shake your hand.

See the sign"California"

 

Make the sign for "silver" by placing your right index finger on your right ear. 

As you move your hand away from your ear, form the letter "s."

Shake your hand.

Dollars

Version 1 

Make the sign for "dollars" by extending your left hand, palm to the right. 

Grab your left fingers between the palm and fingers of your right hand. 

Pull your right hand away from your left hand.. 

On the sign for dollars, the right hand "slips off the left hand." The left hand stays in place.  This is different

from the sign "lead."  (Meaning "guide")  In the sign for

Version2 

"lead" the right hand pulls the left hand forward.

Also, you might see the right hand grabbing the top edge of the left hand as in version 2.

For more information on this sign, check out: dollar

Cents 

Make the sign for "cents" by touching your forehead with the index finger of your right hand, palm back (which also happens to be a version of

the sign for THINK). Pull the hand away from your head (forward and a little bit down).To sign nickel sign "CENTS FIVE"To sign dime sign "CENTS TEN"

To sign "a quarter" sign "CENTS TWENTY-FIVE"

 

Cost

The sign for "cost" is made by extending your left hand in front of you. 

With your crooked right index finger, strike your left palm with a downward

movement. 

Cat

The sign for "cat" is made by forming your hand into what I call an "open F."   This handshape looks like a normal "F" except that the index finger and thumb are separated by about an inch. 

Place the "open F" handshape near the bottom right of your nose and move it out to the right while changing from an "open F" handshape to a normal "F" handshape 

NOTE:  This sign uses just one hand for most everyday conversation.  For effect, I sometimes use two hands when signing stories to young children.

NOTE:  This sign can be done using a "G" handshape that starts near the bottom right of the nose and moves out to the right while changing from a normal "G" handshape to a "closed G" handshape 

Note: The two-handed version of the sign CAT is sometimes used in children's

storytelling and/or theater:

Dog

To sign DOG, I recommend you just snap your fingers to spell the letters "DG."  This is sort of an abbreviation of the word "D-O-G."

Note:  There are many different "right" ways to do the sign for dog.

A popular sign for "dog" is made by slapping your right flat hand against your leg, then snapping your fingers. Or you can snap your fingers, then slap your leg. You can slap your leg twice and not snap your fingers at all.

Or you can just use "lexicalized fingerspelling."  To do this, you fingerspell the letters "D" and "G" very quickly and "snap" the middle finger on the base of the thumb as you change from the "D" to the "G." (That's how I do the sign).

 

bird

The sign for "bird" is made by forming the letter "g" with your right hand. 

Place your hand at the right side of your mouth. 

Open and close the thumb and index finger twice.. 

horse

The sign for "horse" is made by forming the letter "u"  (or "h") with your right hand. Place your thumb on your right temple, or a little higher. Bend and unbend your first two fingers a couple times.

If you use all the fingers instead of just the index and middle finger this sign means "donkey."  If you sign "donkey" but only move the fingers from the upright position to the bent position (one single, quick motion) and don't move them back--then you have signed "stubborn." --Think of how some animals bend their ears down when they are behaving stubbornly. 

HORSE: 

 

cowThe sign for "cow" is made by forming

your right hand into the letter "y." 

Place your thumb against your temple. 

Twist your hand until your little finger points upward. Repeat the motion once.

Note: I use two hands for this sign when I'm telling stories to young children.  Other

than that I just use one hand.

Sheep

The sign for "sheep" is made by forming the letter "v" with your right hand.  Your left forearm is extended with your hand closed, palm downward. Put your right hand on top of your left, and move up the arm.  Open and close your right fingers. 

NOTES:  This sign uses a double movement.  Bring the right hand down onto the top of the left forearm, clip a bit of hair (bring the index and middle finger together), then withdraw the right hand, open up the "scissors," bring your right hand down onto a spot slightly further up the left forearm and clip another swatch of imaginary hair from your imaginary sheep. 

Note: add the sign for "small" if you are talking about a lamb. 

Pig

The sign for "pig" is made by placing your right flat hand under your chin, palm

down. 

With your fingers pointing to the left, bend and unbend your hand several times from

the knuckles. 

Your wrist should not move. The fingers do not "wiggle."  They bend

and unbend from the large knuckles.  If you "wiggle the fingers it means "dirty."

Bug

The sign for "bug" is made by forming the number "3" with the right hand. 

Touch your nose with the tip of your thumb. 

Bend your index and middle fingers twice.

Family - mom-dad, boy-girl, marriage , brother-sister, grandpa-grandma, aunt-uncle, baby, single, divorced-separate

Places - home, work, school, store, church, come-go, car/drive, in-out, with

Time - day, night, week, month, year, will-(future), before-(in the past), today-(now), finish-("all done!")

Temperature - hot, cold Food - pizza, milk, hamburger, hot dog, egg, apple, cheese, drink,

spoon, fork, cup, cereal, water, candy, cookie, hungry Clothes - shirt, pants, socks, shoes, coat, underwear Health - wash, hurt, bathroom , brush teeth, sleep, nice/clean Feelings - happy, angry, sad, sorry, cry, like, good-bad, love Requests - please, excuse, thank you, help, who, what, when, where,

why, how, stop Amounts - big, tall, full , more Colors - blue, green, yellow, red, brown, orange, gold & silver Money - dollars, cents, cost Animals - cat, dog, bird, horse, cow, sheep, pig, bug