How to sign “Word” in ASL

Everyday Life

BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the American sign. See the BSL sign for “Word” instead

Step by step

  1. Hold your non-dominant index finger up in front of your chest.
  2. Shape your dominant hand into a G, index finger pointing sideways.
  3. Touch the dominant G fingertip to the side of the non-dominant index finger.
  4. Angle both palms inward toward each other.
  5. Hold the touch for a beat so the word 'lands' before you move on.

Practice tip

A G for 'word' tapping the side of a finger — one pointed little tap.

Fingerspell “Word”

Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.

ASL handshape for letter WASL handshape for letter OASL handshape for letter RASL handshape for letter D

See all ASL handshapes in the alphabet reference

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.

Browse all 1121 signs in the dictionary