How to sign “Trying” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Trying” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Close both hands into A or S fists, thumbs lying alongside the fingers.
- Hold both fists in front of your torso, close to your body.
- Arc both hands forward and upward in one determined pushing motion.
- Bend your wrists as you move so your palms face forward at the finish.
- Keep a determined, effortful expression to show you are genuinely attempting.
Practice tip
“Trying” is signed with the base TRY sign — ASL/BSL marks ongoing action on the sign, not with a separate word.
Fingerspell “Trying”
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.