Comprehensive American Sign Language Study Guide
Colors
Color: Formed using a 5 hand shape, facing towards you in front of the chin, with fingers wiggling.
Red: Use hand shape 1 to flick the finger on your chin downwards once; an R hand shape flicked may also be used.
Blue: Hand shape B with the palm facing left; shake the hand left and right in a wave motion.
Green: Hand shape G held normally and shaken up and down.
Yellow: Hand shape Y facing to your left and shaken left and right.
Black: Hand shape 1 tilted to point left, then drawn across the forehead from left to right.
Pink: Hand shape K facing towards you, with the middle finger flicking down the chin.
Purple: Hand shape P shaken left and right.
Brown: Hand shape B with the left side of the hand sliding down the right side of the face.
Tan: Hand shape T sliding down the right side of the face.
Orange: S hand shape facing left, opening and closing slightly in front of the mouth.
Gray: Two methods: - G hand shape with the top sliding down the right side of the face with the opening facing up. - Two 5 hand shapes with palms facing you, moving hands back and forth through the fingers.
White: Hand placed on the chest with a sideways 5 shape facing left; pull the hand outwards and close the fingers.
Gold: Sideways 5 hand shape by the ear facing left; the middle finger extends and wiggles out from the ear.
Silver: S hand shape facing left by the ear; pull away from the ear while shaking the hand.
Greetings & Introductions
Good: All fingers together except thumbs. The non-dominant hand is held flat. The dominant hand touches the chin and then smacks the other hand.
Morning: Right arm held flat with the palm up and thumb tucked. The non-dominant hand chops the inner elbow while bringing the dominant arm up.
Afternoon: Non-dominant arm held flat across the body. The dominant hand is out above the arm and bounces with fingers together (except the thumb).
Night: Using a 15 hand shape with the dominant hand, smack the hand to the non-dominant hand which is held across to the middle with a fist.
How: Two methods: - Two B shapes held together facing down, then rotated in toward you until palms are upward and thumbs are out. - 15 hand shapes with fingertips touching, rocking the thumb forward.
You: Point directly at the person.
Fine: 5 hand shape with the thumb tapping the chest.
Thank you: B hand shape moving out from the chin.
You’re Welcome: Dominant normal 15 hand shape facing up, then turned and slid into the dominant side of the waist.
Hello: B hand shape starting from the temple and flicking toward the person.
My: Dominant hand with all fingers closed except the thumb, laid onto the chest.
Name: Two H shapes, tapping the right hand on top of the left hand.
Your: Dominant hand with all fingers closed except the thumb, pushed out toward the person being discussed.
What: Two open hands with palms up, shaken left and right.
Nice to meet you: 5 hand shapes with fingers closed. The left arm is held palm up. The right hand faces down and slowly slides over the left from left to right.
Meet: Two 1 hand shapes brought together to touch each other.
Nice to meet you too: Y hand shape facing left, shaken forwards and back.
Conversation Basics
Again / Repeat / Do Over: Non-dominant hand is held palm up in a 5 shape; the dominant 15 hand shape touches the palm.
Deaf: Dominant 1 hand shape, tapping the right side of the chin and then the ear, or vice versa (ear then chin).
Hearing (Noun): (Used as in "I'm hearing, not deaf" or "public school"). Dominant 1 hand shape facing left, rotating forwards away from the mouth.
Hear / Listen: 3 hand shape with the dominant hand thumb on the ear; pull fingers in slightly.
Learn: Non-dominant 5 hand shape across the body. The dominant hand slides across the non-dominant hand, "grabs" the information, and moves it to the forehead.
Like (Affinity): (Used as in "I like pizza"). 8 hand shape with dominant hand fingers not touching; pull out from the heart and pinch together.
Like (Similar): Y hand shape moved in and out between the other person and yourself.
Mean / Meaning: Vertical non-dominant 5 hand shape. Dominant V shape taps facing up, then twists and taps facing forwards.
Mine: Dominant 5 hand shape laid flat on the chest.
Clean: Signed exactly like "Nice" (5 hand shapes, right sliding over left), but performed quickly.
No (Response): Signed like the number 20, using two fingers.
Yes: S hand shape knocking forward.
Maybe: Represented by the number 67.
Signing: 1 hand shape with both hands facing outwards and elbows out; revolve the hands forwards.
Slow: Palms down; the dominant hand slides over the non-dominant hand slowly toward you.
Student: Sign "Learn" followed by the "Person" sign. The Person sign consists of two closed 5 hand shapes moving out and down.
Teacher: Two O hand shapes by the head, thrown out, followed by the Person sign.
Understand: Dominant hand signs 11 on the dominant side of the head, facing yourself.
Don’t Understand: Perform the 11 sign while shaking the head "no."
What: Represented by the number 67 but moving in and out while using a questioning facial expression.
Where: Wag the finger in a "no no" sign while using a questioning face.
Who: Finger gun shape facing the non-dominant side, touching the chin; wiggle the pointer finger.
Why: Two methods: - Gold sign but held stationary and floating away from the ear. - 15 hand shape with the dominant hand pulling away from the ear into a Y shape.
When (Question): Both hands in 1 shapes facing forwards. The non-dominant pointer remains still while the dominant pointer circles forward once and lands with pointers touching.
When (Happens): Both hands in 1 hand shapes pointing forwards, then flipped to an upward position.
I / Me: Pointer finger points directly to your own chest.
People: Sign used for groups of persons.
Family & Relationships
Boy: Flat O shape with the dominant hand, squeezed outwards.
Girl: Dominant hand in a thumbs-up shape sliding down the dominant side of the jaw.
Brother: Both hands in 1 shapes. Non-dominant arm is out. Dominant hand taps the temple and lands fist-on-fist with the non-dominant hand.
Sister: Both hands in 1 shapes. Non-dominant arm is out. Dominant hand taps the chin and lands fist-on-fist with the non-dominant hand.
Siblings: Both hands in 1 shapes. Non-dominant arm is out. Dominant hand taps the temple and lands fist-on-fist, then taps the chin and lands fist-on-fist.
Child: Dominant hand sits next to you as if measuring a child's height.
Children: Dominant hand pats heads from the non-dominant side to the dominant side, patting roughly 2 to 3 times.
Dad: Dominant hand in an open 5 shape, tapping the dominant side of the forehead.
Mom: Dominant hand in an open 5 shape, tapping the dominant side of the chin.
Parents: Open 5 shape tapping the side of the chin and then the side of the forehead.
Divorce: Two methods: - Both hands in D hand shapes together, then broken apart moving outwards. - Two hands clasped together, moving outwards while keeping the same shape with palms down.
Man / Male: Dominant open 5 hand shape taps the center of the forehead and then the center of the chest.
Woman / Female: Dominant open 5 hand shape taps the center of the chin and then the center of the chest.
Grandma: Dominant open 5 hand shape touches the side of the chin and moves outward.
Grandpa: Dominant open 5 hand shape touches the side of the forehead and moves outward.
Grandparents: Sign "Grandma" then "Grandpa" in quick succession.
Marriage: Non-dominant hand in a curved C shape, palm up. Dominant hand in the same shape hovering above; circles clockwise once and then lands on the non-dominant hand.
Husband: Standard marriage hand shapes, but the dominant hand first taps the thumb to the side of the temple before landing on the non-dominant hand.
Wife: Standard marriage hand shapes, but the dominant hand first taps the thumb to the side of the chin before landing on the non-dominant hand.
Wedding: Two hands with palms down swoop together, and the dominant hand grabs the non-dominant hand's fingers.
Single (Relationship status): Dominant 1 hand shape slides down the dominant side cheek, then the non-dominant side cheek.
Single (State/Generalality): Dominant hand 1 hand shape with the fist facing outwards, shaking the arm left and right slightly.
Living & Work
Have: Two 15 hand shapes placed on the inner shoulders.
Don’t Have: Two 15 hand shapes on the inner shoulders while shaking the head "no."
Hey: Open 5 shape with the dominant hand waving, palm down.
How Many: Both hands in O shapes with fingertips pointing upwards; throw the hands upwards and open while making a questioning face.
Many: Both hands in O shapes with fingertips pointing upwards; throw the hands forwards and open.
Live / Life: Two methods: - Two L shapes near the waist with thumbs pointing outwards; bring the hands upward. - The same upward motion using A shapes.
Address: Two A shapes near the waist with thumbs up; tap the waist and then the chest.
Work / Job: Non-dominant fist facing down. Dominant fist taps wrist-to-wrist on top of the non-dominant fist.
Don’t Like: Use the "Like" sign and then throw the hand away outwards while making an "ugh" face.
His / Her / Its: Closed 5 hand shape moving out toward the dominant side.
Their: Dominant hand performs the "They" sign by moving across the space in front of you.
Ask: Dominant 1 hand shape moves forwards and curves into an X shape (can be directional).
Bad: Same as "Good" but the dominant hand lands palm down; accompany with a frown.
Bathroom / Toilet: Dominant T hand shape shaking right to left without turning the wrist.
Restroom: Dominant R hand shape bouncing, similar to the number 22.
Descriptions & Schooling
Big: Two pointer guns (curved pointer fingers) pointing forwards; move them outwards.
City: Both hands in 5 shapes forming a triangle where only the fingertips touch; repeatedly tap fingertips while moving from the non-dominant to the dominant side.
Class: Both hands in C shapes together, both rotating in toward you.
Team: Similar to "Class" but using T hand shapes.
Group: Similar to "Class" but using G hand shapes.
Family (Group Sign): Similar to "Class" but using F hand shapes.
Come: Both hands in 1 shapes facing you; right hand starts in a "fighting stance" and both are brought inwards.
Go / Went / Going: Similar to "Put" but using 1 hand shapes facing out.
Favorite / Prefer: Dominant hand middle finger taps the middle of the chin.
Swell: Open 5 hand shape with the thumb on the chest; wiggle the fingers.
From: Non-dominant hand holds a 1 shape. Dominant hand starts in a "Big" hand shape, taps the non-dominant hand, and moves in.
Better: Dominant 5 hand shape swipes the chin from the non-dominant side to the dominant side, closing into an A shape.
Best: Perform the "Better" sign, then move the thumb upward.
Here: Both hands palms up moving in circles up and outwards.
House: Fingertips of both hands together in a triangle shape; move hands up and apart, then out and down.
More: Flat O shapes on both hands tapping fingertips together.
Need: Dominant X hand shape pointed down; shake it down and back up. Shake down once for "should," "must," or "have to."
School: Non-dominant hand held sideways across the body; dominant hand faces straight and claps against it slightly.
Sort of / So-so / Kinda: Open 5 hand shape with the dominant hand, shaking slightly left and right with a corresponding facial expression.
Small: Two methods: - Two "Big" hand shapes moved inwards toward each other. - Two 5 hand shapes next to each other moving in and out slightly without touching.
Think: Dominant pointer finger touches the temple (do not tap).
Mind / Brain: Dominant X hand shape taps the temple a few times.
Raised / Grew Up: Sign "Child" and then move the hand upward.
Want: Both hands palm up in open 5 shapes; pull the hands in about halfway while curving the fingers slightly.
Spell (Letter): "Egypt" hand shape with the dominant hand; circle slightly to the right while wiggling fingers.
Emotions & Physical Concepts
Angry: Both hands in open 5 shapes, dominant hand above non-dominant; move up and curve fingers slightly while showing anger on the face.
Aunt: Dominant hand A shape by the right of the chin with the fist facing forwards; shake left and right slightly.
Uncle: Dominant hand U shape facing the head on the dominant side at the top of the head; shake left and right slightly.
Cousin: Dominant hand sideways C shape, shaken back and forth/forwards and backwards. Locations: - By the chin for a female cousin. - By the forehead for a male cousin. - In the middle for non-specified.
Niece: Dominant hand sideways N shape by the chin; shake left and right slightly.
Nephew: Dominant hand sideways N shape by the forehead; shake left and right slightly.
Baby: Cradle and rock an imaginary baby left and right with the dominant hand on top.
Bed: Both hands together (or just the dominant hand) placed on the dominant side of the head with the head tilted.
Toothbrush / Brushing Teeth: Horizontal 1 hand shape with the dominant hand moved left and right in front of the mouth; mouth should be open.
Cry: Both hands in 1 shapes moving down from the eyes; show sadness on the face.
Daughter: Non-dominant hand in a "baby" shape chopped across the body. Dominant B shape touches the dominant side of the chin and then moves down to the non-dominant arm.
Son: Non-dominant hand in a "baby" shape chopped across the body. Dominant B shape touches the dominant side of the forehead and then moves down to the non-dominant arm.
Don’t Want: Both hands start out and up as if holding something, then turn over while shaking the head "no."
Excuse (Excuse me / Excuses): Non-dominant hand in the "Nice" position. Dominant 15 hand shape slides across and brushes the non-dominant fingertips.
Forgive: Both hands in 15 shapes. Dominant brushes non-dominant fingertips (like Excuse), then hands flip and non-dominant brushes dominant.
Feel: (Used for "I feel like doing" or "I feel the same"). Dominant gold hand shape slides up the chest repeatedly.
First: Two methods: - Dominant 1 shape, then flick the wrist so the 1 points toward you. - Non-dominant hand in a thumbs-up; dominant 1 hand shape taps the tip of the thumb.
Friend: Both hands in X shapes. Dominant hooks on top, then hands turn and the non-dominant hooks on top.
Best Friend: Two methods: - "Friend" sign but only the dominant hand hooks on top and pulls down. - Dominant hand in a sideways R shape moving down.
Happy: Both hands in "My" hand shapes, sliding up the chest repeatedly, either apart or with the dominant hand above the non-dominant; show happiness on face.
Help: (Directional). Non-dominant hand held out across the body. Dominant hand in a thumbs-up resting on the non-dominant hand; bring both upwards.
Hurt: Both hands in 1 shapes. Dominant hand faces up, non-dominant hand faces out; bring hands inward while switching positions/turning.
If / Suppose: Dominant hand I hand shape tapping underneath the eye.
Idea: Dominant hand I hand shape taps the temple and then pops outwards.
Love (Affectionate): Both hands in S shapes crossed in an X over the chest; dominant hand is under the non-dominant hand.
I Love You (Affectionate): "Spider-man" hand shape with the dominant hand or both hands.
Love (Like something): Dominant hand S shape taps the chin and then moves out.
Please: "My" hand shape on the chest moving counterclockwise.
Sad: Both hands in open 5 shapes moving downwards in front of the face.
Sleep: Open hand in front of the face that closes into a flat O shape.
Sorry: Dominant A hand shape moving in a circle on the chest (like "Please").
Stop: Non-dominant hand palm up across the body. Dominant "My" hand shape chops down onto the palm; show through facial expression.
Wash: Both hands in A shapes; dominant hand on top of non-dominant hand circles clockwise.
Washing Hands: Mimic the motion of washing hands with both hands together.
Time & Calendar
Day: Non-dominant hand rests palm down. Dominant 1 hand shape facing yourself moves down.
All Day: The "Day" sign but using a 5 hand shape with fingers together.
Number of Days: The "Day" sign with the specific number (1–9) facing out.
Week: Non-dominant hand in a "Learn" shape. Dominant 1 hand shape pointing forwards (fist) slides left to right.
Week with Numbers: Perform the "Week" motion with the number held sideways.
Sunday: Both hands in 5 shapes with fingers closed, palms out, moving outwards.
Monday: Dominant M hand shape moving in circles away from you.
Tuesday: Same motion as Monday but with a T hand shape.
Wednesday: Same motion as Monday but with a W hand shape.
Thursday: T hand shape followed by an H hand shape.
Friday: F hand shape facing you, using the same circular motion as Monday.
Saturday: S hand shape moving in the same circular motion as Monday.
Daily / Every Weekday: Perform the weekday sign facing you and pull the hand down.
Months of the Year (Spelled/Abbreviated): - January: J-N - February: F-E-B - March: M-A-R-C-H - April: A-P-R-I-L - May: M-A-Y - June: J-U-N-E - July: J-U-L-Y - August: A-U-G - September: S-E-P-T - October: O-C-T - November: N-O-V - December: D-E-C
Now / This: Both hands in Y shapes facing upwards, moved down once.
Wake Up: Both hands perform the 11 sign; can add a surprised facial expression.
Today: Both hands in Y shapes facing upwards, bouncing downwards.
Yesterday: Hand starts like "Girl" (A shape thumb on jaw) but taps the hand forwards.
Tomorrow: Dominant hand begins like "Girl" sign but taps hand forwards.
Everyday / Daily: Like the "Girl" sign but faster, moving down repeatedly.
Future: Dominant closed 5-hand shape, palm facing the non-dominant side, moving outwards in a dipping motion.
Past / Last: Dominant closed 5-hand shape thrown behind the shoulder.
Year: Both hands in S shapes. Dominant hand goes under, forwards, and up to land on the non-dominant hand; a number can be added into the sign.
Wait: Both hands in 5 shapes, dominant in front of non-dominant; wiggle the fingers.
General Actions & Technology
Can: Both hands in S shapes, flipping the wrists down; show affirmation on the face.
Car: Both hands in sideways S shapes as if steering a wheel.
Drive: Both hands in sideways S shapes moving the arms forwards.
Church: Non-dominant S hand shape across the body. Dominant C hand shape facing forward taps against the wrist.
Computer: Two methods: - Non-dominant arm in an S shape in the middle; dominant C hand shape swipes up the arm repeatedly. - Both hands in closed 5 shapes, opening them up like a laptop.
Doctor: Non-dominant hand in an S shape facing upwards. Dominant hand in a 15 shape or D shape taps the wrist.
Nurse: Same as the "Doctor" sign but using a dominant U hand shape.
Hospital: Dominant U hand shape drawing a cross on the non-dominant shoulder.
Email: Non-dominant sideways C shape. Dominant 15 hand shape moves forwards and backwards through the C (can be directional).
Give: (Directional). Both hands in flat O shapes with palms up moving outwards.
Home: Dominant flat O shape taps the chin and then the temple on the dominant side.
Internet / Wifi: Both hands in gold shapes with fingertips touching. Dominant hand rotates forwards twice. To sign "no internet," break the hands apart.
In: Dominant flat O shape (like holding a bottle) placed into a non-dominant flat O shape.
Out: Start with the "In" sign but bring the dominant hand out.
Outside: Dominant flat O hand shape that opens and closes while pulling outwards away from the head.
Movie: Non-dominant hand flat across the body, palm up. Dominant hand in a "piano hand" position rests on the base of the non-dominant hand and wiggles/turns.
Play (Action): Sign "Yellow" with both hands simultaneously.
Put: (Directional). Like "Give" but with flat O shapes facing down.
Move: Both hands in flat O shapes facing down, moving side-to-side from the non-dominant to the dominant side.
Sit: Both hands in U shapes facing down; tap the dominant on the non-dominant.
Chair: Like "Sit" but the dominant fingertips bend or "hook" on the non-dominant hand.
Stand: Non-dominant hand palm up. Dominant hand in a V shape "stands" on the non-dominant palm.
Jump: Like "Stand" but the dominant hand jumps up and down.
Stay: Both hands in Y shapes facing down, moved downwards.
With: Both hands in sideways A shapes, hitting the knuckles together.
Without: Perform "With" but then drop the hands outwards while showing it on the face.
Money: Non-dominant hand out and palm up. Dominant flat O shape facing up taps the non-dominant hand.
Store / Shopping: Both hands in flat O shapes with fingertips facing down, moving in a "motorcycle" movement or moving down slightly.
Buy: Like "Money" but tap once and reach out (handing money). Doing this multiple times outwards signifies shopping.
Walk: Both hands in closed 5 shapes, palms down, sliding forwards and backwards separately to mimic walking.
Watch (Watching a Movie): Dominant large hand shape taps the chin and moves outwards.
Watching (Surveillance/I'm watching you): Both hands in 2 shapes snapping out aggressively.
Watch (Object/Wristwatch): Dominant 8 hand shape taps the wrist where a watch would be.
Yell / Scream: Both hands in "Big" hand shapes, dominant on top; move out from the face with an intense expression.
Draw / Art: Non-dominant closed 5 shape palm facing the dominant side. Dominant pinky finger squiggles down the palm.
Paint / Painting: Non-dominant same as "Art." Dominant 15 shape swipes up and down.
Finished / All Done / After: Both hands in open 5 shapes flick to palm-facing outwards; pinkies flick first.
Long (Classifying degree): Both hands in closed 5 shapes showing the length.
Long (Day): Non-dominant arm out with a closed fist; dominant 1 hand shape swipes up the arm.
Long (Dramatic): Non-dominant fist facing you on top; dominant hand goes underneath and out to the side in a downward swoop.
Old: Dominant open S shape that closes as you pull down from the chin (like a beard).
Older: Perform "Old" but pull the hand up to the top of the head.
Young / Youth / Younger: Same as the "Have" sign but swiped upwards.
Paper: Start with the "School" clap, but the dominant hand swipes from right to left.
Self / Myself: Dominant A hand shape tapping the chest.
Yourself: Dominant A hand shape tapping outwards twice.
And: Dominant sideways C shape on the non-dominant side slides toward the dominant side and closes the fingertips.
Food & Drink
Apple: Dominant mostly-closed X shape; the pointer finger knuckle twists on the dominant side of the mouth.
Candy: Dominant 1 shape on the dominant cheek, twisting left and right.
Breakfast: Dominant B shape with the pointer fingertip tapping the dominant side of the chin.
Lunch: Dominant 21 shape with the thumb tip tapping the dominant side of the chin.
Dinner: Dominant D shape with the fingertips tapping the middle of the chin.
Cereal: Dominant curved 1 shape wiggling from the dominant to the non-dominant side aligned with the mouth.
Cheese: Similar to the "Movie" motion, but the dominant hand is flat and smashes against the other.
Cookies: Like "Meaning," but the dominant C shape taps right-side up and then upside down.
Pasta: Both hands in I shapes with fingertips facing you. The dominant hand circles (like "When") and pulls out.
Potato: Non-dominant hand in a closed fist; dominant hand taps the fist with bent fingers (like "Jump").
Cup: Non-dominant hand palm up; dominant sideways C moves up and down to show the shape of a cup.
Drink: Sideways C shape moved to the mouth in a "bottoms up" motion.
Egg: Sign "Name" and then break the hands apart.
Bread: Non-dominant closed 5 shape palm facing you; dominant 15 shape brushes fingertips against the back of the fingers.
Toast: Both hands in U shapes. Dominant hand taps under and then on top of the non-dominant hand.
Taste: Use the middle finger (like "Favorite") in front of the mouth.
Eat: Flat O shape taps in front of the mouth.
Full: Two methods: - Non-dominant B shape moving from the stomach up to the chin. - Dominant hand "topping off" an imaginary cup.
Hamburger: Both hands cupped to shape a hamburger patty.
Sandwich: Non-dominant hand goes inside the dominant hand.
Hot Dog: Both hands move out while opening and closing fingers.
Hungry: Dominant C shape pulling down the chest; can be dramatic.
Wish / Desire: Same sign as "Hungry" but using both hands and an expressive face.
Thirsty: Dominant 1 shape pulling down the neck.
Milk: Similar to the "Orange" squeeze but held out in front of you.
Pizza: Dominant 15 shape facing you, moving like putting a slice into the mouth.
Popcorn: Both hands in 11 shapes moving up and down alternatively.
Soup: Non-dominant palm up; dominant H shape scoops like a spoon.
Water: Sideways W shape tapping the chin.
Tea: Non-dominant O shape; dominant F shape "stirs" inside it.
Coffee: Both hands in closed S shapes; dominant hand on top circles counterclockwise.
Dessert: Two D shapes lying down, tapping each other.
Animals
Kind (Type): Both hands in K shapes. Dominant hand circles the non-dominant and lands.
Animals: Both hands sign "Have," then wiggle hands and arms in and out.
Bear: Both hands in 5 shapes with bent fingertips; cross arms over the chest and scratch.
Bird / Chicken: Sign the number 20 by the mouth.
Alligator: Both hands in closed 5 shapes chomping together, dominant hand on top.
Duck: Sign "No" by the mouth.
Snake: Dominant 2 shape with fingertips bent down, slithering forward.
Cat: Dominant hand pulls a "whisker" from the mouth using a 9 shape.
Giraffe: Dominant hand starts at the neck and pulls upward.
Elephant: B hand shape moves down and out like a trunk.
Kangaroo: Both hands in 15 shapes with fingers pointing down; hands bounce forward.
Lion: Dominant hand with bent fingertips pulls up over the head.
Tiger: Both hands in 5 shapes with bent fingertips, pulling out from the mouth like whiskers.
Ant: Dominant A shape rests on non-dominant hand; non-dominant hand crawls forwards.
Rabbit: Both hands in U shapes facing yourself; wiggle fingers over the head like a "come here" motion.
Cow: Y shape on the dominant side temple, leaning forwards and back.
Horse: Dominant finger gun against the dominant side of the head; wiggle fingers (keep fingers together and on the forehead).
Donkey: Like "Horse" but with a closed 5 shape and four fingers moving.
Bug: Sideways 3 shape with the thumb on the nose; wiggle the fingers.
Butterfly: Both hands in closed 5 shapes with thumbs intertwined, flapping like wings.
Squirrel: Both hands in bent 2 shapes tapping together.
Monkey: Both hands in 15 shapes scratching at the ribs.
Wolf: Similar to "Sleep" but a flat O shape starts at the nose and pulls out.
Goat: S hand shape taps the nose and then taps the head with a 2 shape.
Turtle: Two methods: - Both hands in closed 5 shapes on top of each other with thumbs moving forwards. - Dominant hand A shape with thumb fingertip forwards, non-dominant hand on top; dominant thumb wiggles.
Rhino: Dominant Y shape taps the nose.
Eagle: Dominant X shape; back of the hand taps the nose.
Lizard: Dominant L shape pointing non-dominant side; wiggle finger and pull back.
Worm: Non-dominant arm out; dominant X shape crawls up the arm.
Fox: Dominant F shape swipes near the nose.
Deer: Both hands in 5 shapes tapping the temples.
Hippo: Both hands tap Y shapes together, dominant on top.
Fish: Dominant B hand shape fluttering forwards or to the side.
Shark: Dominant sideways B shape; the base of the thumb taps the top of the forehead.
Dolphin: Non-dominant arm flat (like "Day"); dominant D shape swims in and out of "waves."
Whale: Same as "Dolphin" but using a dominant Y shape starting at the non-dominant elbow.
Mosquito: Non-dominant arm in middle S shape; dominant 9 shape pinches the fist, then smacks it.
Dog: Dominant hand smacks the thigh and then snaps fingers.
Pig: Dominant B shape facing downwards, tapping under the chin.
Penguin: Both arms out with palms down, waddling shoulders.
Spider: Both hands out, dominant on top, both "crawling" forwards.
Mouse: Dominant 1 hand shape swipes at the nose.
Peacock: Dominant hand I shape facing forwards; non-dominant A shape behind it slides up and opens into a 5 shape (feathers).
Crab: Both hands in flat O shapes, opening and closing like claws.
Rat: Like "Mouse" but using an R shape.
Frog: Upside down 12 under the chin.
Lobster: Both hands in sideways 2 shapes, opening and closing like scissors.
Sheep: Non-dominant hand in "Nice" position; dominant K hand shape slides along the arm.
Gorilla: Sideways A shapes hitting the chest.
Owl: Both hands wiggle in front of eyes like goggles.
Dinosaur: Non-dominant arm in "Day" position; dominant D or flat O shape upright wiggling left and right.
Camel: Dominant hand (fingertips forward) starts on the non-dominant side and draws two humps.
Shrimp: Dominant I shape crawling to the non-dominant side.
Jellyfish: Dominant open 5 shape floats and pulls toward the non-dominant side.
Nature & Environment
Outdoors: General sign for the outdoors.
Tree: Non-dominant arm held out palm down; dominant hand in a 5 shape shaking on top.
Forest / Woods: Perform the "Tree" sign while moving the arms in a clockwise direction.
Flower: Dominant flat O shape taps the nose on the non-dominant side and then the dominant side.
Dirty: Dominant 5 shape against the bottom of the chin, wiggling fingers with a matching expression.
Sand: Both hands in flat O shapes in front of you, rubbing thumbs against fingers.
Dirt: Sign "Dirty" followed by "Sand."
Area / Land: Dominant hand flat palm down, circling counterclockwise.
Sun: Dominant 1 shape above the head draws a clockwise circle, then becomes a flat O that flicks out to a 5 shape.
Moon: Dominant expanded G shape; thumb taps the temple and the hand moves upwards.
Stars: Both hands in 1 shapes sliding up and down slightly against each other.
Sky: Both hands in closed 5 shapes; dominant over non-dominant in front of you; flip palms toward you and move out and up.
Clouds: Two methods: - Both hands in open flat O shapes, pulling outwards and opening multiple times from left to right. - Both hands in 5 shapes; dominant hand circles while non-dominant slides, moving from left to right.
Grass: Dominant "Want" hand shape moving forwards and sliding against the chin.
Plants / Spring: Non-dominant cupped C shape; dominant hand inside flicks open and upward.
Grow: Same motion as "Spring" but performed slowly.
Earth: Non-dominant fist/arm across the body; dominant 8 shape fingertips on the non-dominant hand, wiggling clockwise.
World: Two methods: - Using W hand shapes instead of S shapes in the "Year" sign motion. - Both hands cupped, moving in a circle from up to out and down until they meet.
Street / Road: Non-dominant hand out palm down; dominant thumbs-up moves back and forth on the non-dominant hand.
Way / Path: Both hands in closed 5 shapes moving forward; can move in a winding fashion.
Wind: Both hands in open 5 shapes facing each other, moving left and right together (swimming motion).
Rain: Two methods: - Both hands in open 5 shapes wiggling fingers and moving downwards. - Moving both hands downwards a few times without finger wiggling.
Snow: Two methods: - Sign "White" then the "Rain" wiggle. - Brush the shoulders off with 15 shapes and then sign "Rain."
Smell: Dominant closed 5 shape hits or rubs the nose upwards multiple times.
Stink: Dominant hand plugs the nose.
Sweet: Like "Better" but horizontal; the hand flicks downwards once.
Sour: Dominant 1 shape on the dominant side of the chin; twist the finger and show facial expression.
Touch: Dominant hand open with the middle finger down, touching the non-dominant fist.
Body & Health
Room / Box: Both hands in "My" hand shapes forming the sides of a box.
Smile: Both hands in 15 shapes outlining a smile on the face.
Face: Right pointer finger goes counterclockwise, circling the outline of the face.
Eyes: Dominant pointer finger touches under the dominant eye, then the non-dominant eye.
Feet: Dominant pointer finger points to the non-dominant foot and then the dominant foot.
Head: Dominant 15 hand shape touching the side of the chin and then the temple (same movement as "Home").
Hands: Both hands in closed 5 shapes palms up; dominant hand swipes down the non-dominant, then vice-versa.
Skin: Dominant hand grabs the cheek.
Body Parts: Point directly at the part and then spell its name.
Classroom & Dialogue Notes
"I'm hearing, not deaf": Uses the Hearing noun sign (1 shape rotate away from mouth).
"Public school": Also uses the Hearing noun sign.
Question Face: Required for signs like "How many," "What," "Where," "Why," and "Wake up" (if surprised).
Surprised Face: Used with "Wake up."
Sad Face: Used with "Cry" and "Sad."
Frown: Used with the "Bad" sign.
Ugh Face: Used with "Don't Like."
Motorcycle movement: Used for "Store / Shopping."
Egypt hand shape: Specified for the "Spell (Letter)" sign.
Big hand shape: Specified for "From," "Small," and "Yell/Scream."
Fighting stance: Starting position for the sign "Come."
Piano hand: Position used for the "Movie" sign.