How to sign “January” in ASL
BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the American sign. See the BSL sign for “January” instead
Step by step
- Start by forming J: extend your pinky and trace a small J in the air beside your cheek.
- Close into an A fist, your thumb lying along the outside of your folded fingers.
- Shift to N by tucking your thumb between your middle and ring fingers.
- Keep your palm facing forward for A and N, flowing smoothly with no pauses between letters.
- Mouth 'January' and hold a neutral, conversational expression as you fingerspell.
Practice tip
Adult Deaf signers fingerspell J-A-N — the calendar-with-J-N version is Signed English, not ASL.
Fingerspell “January”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Note: J and Z are signed with motion, not a static handshape.
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.