How to sign “Short” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Short” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Make an H handshape with both hands, extending the index and middle fingers together and folding the rest down.
- Hold your non-dominant H hand steady in front of you with the palm facing down.
- Bring your dominant H hand beside it so the fingertips of both hands nearly touch.
- Move the dominant hand outward in a small double motion, as if marking off a short length.
- Keep the motion compact — one quick, large outward sweep would mean BRIEF instead.
- Stay neutral-faced; this sign works for short lengths and short durations alike.
Practice tip
Lifeprint teaches two SHORTs: H hands for short-in-length or duration (this entry), and a hand bent at the knuckles for short-in-height.
Fingerspell “Short”
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.