Learn the American Sign Language Alphabet

Here are close-up views of each letter in the ASL alphabet. It's important to note that in typical ASL communication, these signs are made in front of the chest area.

A

Make a fist with your thumb sticking out and facing forward.

B

Hold your hand open with fingers together, palm facing outward, and thumb folded across the palm.

C

Shape your hand to form a 'C'.

D

Point your index finger up, while curling your other fingers into a circle.

E

Curl all your fingers down towards your palm and place your thumb alongside your fingers.

F

Touch your thumb and index finger together, forming a circle, with the other three fingers extended.

G

Extend your index finger and thumb to form a right angle, with other fingers curled into your palm.

H

Extend your index and middle fingers straight, keeping them together, with your thumb tucked in and other fingers curled.

I

Extend your pinky finger while curling in the rest of your fingers.

J

Make the same sign as 'I', but move your pinky in a small 'J' shape.

K

Extend your index and middle fingers in a V-shape, with your thumb in between them.

L

Extend your thumb and index finger to form an 'L' shape, with the other fingers curled in.

M

Tuck your thumb under your palm, touching it to the base of your pinky finger, with the other three fingers closed over it.

N

Place your thumb under your index and middle fingers, pressing it against your palm.

O

Make an 'O' shape with all your fingers curved together.

P

Similar to 'K', but with your hand facing downwards.

Q

Similar to 'G', but with your hand facing downwards.

R

Cross your fingers (index over middle).

S

Make a fist with your thumb crossing over your fingers.

T

Tuck your thumb under your index finger, against your palm, with the other fingers closed over it.

U

Extend your index and middle fingers while keeping them together, and curl your other fingers.

V

Extend your index and middle fingers in a V-shape, with your other fingers curled in.

W

Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers, keeping them spread apart, while the other fingers are curled in.

X

Extend your index finger and hook it at the middle joint, curling in your other fingers.

Y

Extend your thumb and pinky finger, while curling in the other fingers.

Z

Make the sign for 'Z' by drawing a 'Z' in the air with your index finger.