How to sign “Listen” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Listen” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Shape your dominant hand into a loose claw, fingers spread and slightly bent.
- Hold the hand beside your ear, fingertips pointing toward it.
- Bend the fingers gently toward your ear a couple of times, as if gathering sound.
- Keep your palm angled toward the side of your head.
- Tilt your head slightly toward the hand and focus — you are straining to hear.
Practice tip
The claw fingers 'scoop' sound into the ear — wiggle them to show listening hard.
Fingerspell “Listen”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
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.