How to sign “Previous” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Previous” 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 fist, keeping the wrist relaxed.
- Hold the hand in front of your torso at about chest height.
- Sweep the hand backward over your dominant shoulder in one smooth arc.
- Keep your palm facing inward toward your body through the sweep.
- Enlarge the sweep for "long ago" and shrink it for "just a moment ago."
Practice tip
Lifeprint groups PAST, before, and previously under this one over-the-shoulder sign.
Fingerspell “Previous”
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.