How to sign “Gives” in ASL

Everyday Basics

The BSL sign for “Gives” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.

Step by step

  1. Touch your dominant thumb to your fingertips to form a flattened O.
  2. Start with the hand close to your own body at chest height.
  3. Move the hand outward in a straight line toward the person receiving.
  4. Angle your palm slightly upward as the hand travels outward.
  5. Look toward the recipient so the direction of giving is unmistakable.

Practice tip

“Gives” is signed with the base GIVE sign.

Fingerspell “Gives”

Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.

ASL handshape for letter GASL handshape for letter IASL handshape for letter VASL handshape for letter EASL handshape for letter S

See all ASL handshapes in the alphabet reference

Text-based guide researched from established ASL references (Lifeprint, university and public-health materials) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade.

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