Why This Matters
Handshapes are one of the five parameters of ASL—along with movement, location, palm orientation, and non-manual markers—that give signs their meaning. You're not just learning hand positions; you're building the phonological foundation of a visual language. Change the handshape in a sign, and you often change the meaning entirely, just like swapping consonants in spoken words creates different vocabulary.
When studying ASL, don't just memorize how to form each handshape—understand which handshapes group together based on their structure and function. Many signs use the same base handshape with different movements or locations, so recognizing these patterns will accelerate your vocabulary acquisition and help you produce signs more accurately. Think of handshapes as your building blocks: master these, and you'll decode new signs faster.
Closed-Fist Handshapes
These handshapes share a common structure: fingers curled into the palm with variations in thumb placement. The position of the thumb distinguishes each shape and creates different letters.
A Handshape
- Thumb rests alongside the index finger—this distinguishes it from S, where the thumb wraps over the fingers
- Represents the letter "A" and appears in signs like AUNT, TRY, and many initialized signs
- Foundation for compound signs—understanding this shape helps you recognize A-based vocabulary patterns
S Handshape
- Thumb wraps over the outside of curled fingers—creates a tighter, more enclosed fist than A
- Represents the letter "S" and appears in action signs like SORRY, SIT, and SCHOOL
- High-frequency handshape in everyday vocabulary, making it essential for fluent production
Compare: A vs. S—both are closed fists, but A keeps the thumb beside the fingers while S wraps the thumb over them. This small difference changes the letter entirely, so practice distinguishing them in mirror work.
X Handshape
- Index finger hooks or curls while all other fingers remain curled into the palm
- Represents the letter "X" and appears in signs related to hooking, catching, or negation
- Distinctive bent shape makes it useful for depicting actions that involve grabbing or pulling
Extended-Finger Handshapes
These handshapes feature one or more fingers extended straight while others remain curled. The number and combination of extended fingers determine the letter or number represented.
1 Handshape
- Only the index finger extends—all other fingers curl into the palm with thumb alongside
- Dual function as both the number "1" and the letter "I" depending on context and movement
- Pointing and indicating signs frequently use this shape for directing attention or specifying
V Handshape
- Index and middle fingers extend in a V shape—remaining fingers curl with thumb holding them
- Represents the letter "V" and the number "2" in certain contexts
- Appears in LOOK, SEE, and vision-related signs—the two fingers often represent eyes
W Handshape
- Index, middle, and ring fingers extend—pinky and thumb curl into palm
- Represents the letter "W" and appears in WH-question words and location signs
- Three-finger spread creates visual distinction from similar extended-finger shapes
Compare: 1 vs. V vs. W—these form a progression of extended fingers (one, two, three). Recognizing this pattern helps you quickly identify numbers 1-3 and their corresponding letters in fingerspelling.
3 Handshape
- Thumb, index, and middle fingers extend—ring and pinky curl into palm
- Represents the number "3" and appears in counting, listing, and quantity signs
- Different from W because the thumb extends rather than the ring finger
Open-Palm Handshapes
These handshapes feature a flat or spread palm with all or most fingers extended. Palm orientation often carries additional meaning when using these shapes.
B Handshape
- Palm flat with fingers extended and together—thumb folds across the palm or tucks beside it
- Represents the letter "B" and forms the base for many location and surface-related signs
- Flat surface representation makes it ideal for signs involving walls, floors, and flat objects
5 Handshape
- All five fingers spread apart—palm typically faces outward with fingers separated
- Represents the number "5" and appears in signs for MOTHER, FATHER, and FINE
- Most open handshape in ASL, often conveying concepts of "all" or "many"
Compare: B vs. 5—both use all fingers, but B keeps fingers together while 5 spreads them apart. This distinction affects meaning: B suggests flat surfaces while 5 suggests spread or quantity.
Curved and Circular Handshapes
These handshapes involve fingers curving to create rounded or circular shapes. The degree of curve and finger contact points distinguish each shape.
C Handshape
- Fingers and thumb curve to form a C shape—as if holding a cylindrical object
- Represents the letter "C" and appears in signs for CUP, CLASS, and cylindrical objects
- Grasping motion base—many signs depicting holding or containing use this shape
O Handshape
- Fingertips and thumb touch to form a closed circle—creating an O shape when viewed from the side
- Represents the letter "O" and appears in signs for DONUT, KNOW, and circular concepts
- Pinched closure distinguishes it from the more open C handshape
Flat-O Handshape
- Fingertips bunch together with thumb—creating a flattened, tapered point rather than a round O
- Variation used for precision in signs requiring a gathered or collected motion
- Appears in signs like WHAT, GIVE, and classifier constructions for small or specific objects
Compare: C vs. O vs. Flat-O—these represent a progression from open curve (C) to closed circle (O) to flattened point (Flat-O). Each depicts different object shapes or actions in classifier signs.
These handshapes feature specific fingers touching or forming circles while others extend. The contact point between thumb and fingers creates the distinctive shape.
F Handshape
- Thumb and index finger form a circle—middle, ring, and pinky fingers extend upward
- Represents the letter "F" and the number "9" depending on orientation and context
- Circle-plus-extension combination appears in signs related to feelings, fine details, and small objects
8 Handshape
- Middle finger bends down to touch thumb—index, ring, and pinky extend outward
- Represents the number "8" with its distinctive bent-middle-finger formation
- Less common but important for number sequences and specific vocabulary items
Compare: F vs. 8—both involve a finger-thumb circle, but F uses the index finger while 8 uses the middle finger. This subtle difference is crucial for accurate number production.
Thumb-Pinky Extension Handshapes
These handshapes extend the thumb and pinky while curling the middle fingers. The resulting shape resembles a telephone or shaka gesture.
Y Handshape
- Thumb and pinky extend outward—index, middle, and ring fingers curl into palm
- Represents the letter "Y" and appears in signs like WHY, YELLOW, and PLAY
- Relaxed, casual appearance makes it common in informal expressions and greetings
Quick Reference Table
|
| Closed-fist family | A, S, X |
| Single-finger extension | 1/I, X |
| Multiple-finger extension | V, W, 3 |
| Open-palm shapes | B, 5 |
| Curved/circular shapes | C, O, Flat-O |
| Finger-thumb circles | F, 8 |
| Thumb-pinky extension | Y |
| Number-letter overlap | 1/I, V/2, W/6, F/9 |
Self-Check Questions
-
Which two handshapes are both closed fists, and what distinguishes them? Think about thumb placement and practice switching between them.
-
If you saw a sign using a curved hand holding an imaginary cylinder, which handshape family would you identify? Name the specific shape and two signs that use it.
-
Compare and contrast the B and 5 handshapes. When would you use each, and what types of signs typically employ them?
-
Which handshapes serve double duty as both letters and numbers? List at least three examples and explain how context determines meaning.
-
You're learning a new sign that involves a finger-thumb circle with other fingers extended. Which handshapes should you consider, and how would you determine which one is correct?