The SASL Alphabet
Learn to sign each letter of the alphabet. This is the foundation for fingerspelling names and words.
Showing the letter A
A
Make a tight fist with your thumb resting straight up against the side of your index finger.
Showing the letter B
B
Hold your hand flat, palm facing forward, with all fingers straight and the thumb tucked across the palm.
Showing the letter C
C
Curve your fingers and thumb to form a clear “C” shape, viewed from the side.
Showing the letter D
D
Point your index finger straight up; touch your thumb to the tips of your middle, ring, and pinky fingers to form a circle.
Showing the letter E
E
Curl all your fingers tightly so the tips rest on top of your thumb, creating a closed “claw” or “box” shape.
Showing the letter F
F
Touch the tip of your index finger to your thumb to form a circle, while keeping your middle, ring, and pinky fingers straight and spread apart.
Showing the letter G
G
Point your index finger and thumb to the side, parallel to each other, with the back of your hand facing sideways.
Showing the letter H
H
Extend both your index and middle fingers together, pointing them to the side.
Showing the letter I
I
Keep your fist closed and extend only your pinky finger straight up.
Showing the letter J
J
Extend your pinky finger and move your hand to draw a hook shape in the air.
Showing the letter K
K
Point your index finger up and tilt your middle finger forward; place your thumb against the middle joint of the index finger.
Showing the letter L
L
Extend your thumb and index finger to form a sharp “L” shape (a right angle).
Showing the letter M
M
Fold your index, middle, and ring fingers down over your thumb, which is tucked underneath them.
Showing the letter N
N
Fold only your index and middle fingers down over your thumb, which is tucked underneath.
Showing the letter O
O
Touch the tips of all your fingers to your thumb to form a perfect circle.
Showing the letter P
P
Hold your hand in the “G” shape but rotate your wrist so your index finger points directly at the ground.
Showing the letter Q
Q
Hold your hand in a “G” shape but point it downward, as if picking up a small object from the floor.
Showing the letter R
R
Cross your middle finger over the back of your index finger, keeping them both pointed up.
Showing the letter S
S
Make a solid fist and wrap your thumb across the front of your fingers.
Showing the letter T
T
Make a fist and rest your thumb firmly on top of the first knuckle of your index finger.
Showing the letter U
U
Extend your index and middle fingers straight up and keep them pressed tightly together.
Showing the letter V
V
Extend your index and middle fingers straight up and spread them apart to form a “V” shape.
Showing the letter W
W
Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers upwards and spread them apart to form a “W” shape.
Showing the letter X
X
Make a fist and raise your index finger, then bend it at the knuckle to create a “hook” shape.
Showing the letter Y
Y
Extend only your thumb and your pinky finger out to the sides (the “shaka” sign).
Showing the letter Z
Z
Use your index finger to draw a “Z” shape in the air in front of you.