How to sign “Nation” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Nation” 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 N: fold your index and middle fingers down over your tucked thumb.
- Close your non-dominant hand into a fist and hold it steady in front of your chest.
- Move the N hand in one clockwise circle in the air just above the fist.
- Set the N hand down firmly on the back of the fist, like planting a flag.
- Keep your face composed and official — this is a formal word, not a casual one.
Practice tip
NORMAL looks nearly identical — give NATION the deliberate plant-the-flag landing and keep NORMAL looser and quicker.
Fingerspell “Nation”
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.