PocketSign
Basic

Numbers and Quantity Signs

The simplest way to show more than one thing in ASL is to name the thing, then add a number or quantity sign.

All Pluralization lessons
ASL signer showing a clear number handshape for quantity in pluralization

Watch First

Use these short PocketSign clips to see the movement before you practice.

Numbers for pluralsWatch how adding number handshapes can show plural meaning.
Transcript

Here are some examples showing plurals by incorporating numbers.

CAT plus THREECompare CAT by itself with CAT THREE for three cats.
Transcript

This is the sign for cat. This is the sign for cat three.

MANY and FEWWatch how quantity signs like MANY and FEW can make a sign plural.
Transcript

A common way to make signs plural is to quantify it with signs like many or few.

Many birdsSee BIRD change into MANY BIRDS with a quantity sign.
Transcript

This is the sign for bird. This is the sign for many birds.

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

In English, you might say "five apples." In ASL, a simple beginner pattern is APPLE FIVE.

Sign the noun first so the viewer knows what you are talking about. Then add the number or quantity.

Useful quantity signs include MANY, FEW, SEVERAL, SOME, and NONE.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the face before the sentence is over.

  1. Sign . Keep the number clear after .
  2. Sign . Add a bigger face if you mean a lot of cats.
  3. Sign , then with a small headshake.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first, then check the meaning and tip.

ASL line .
MeaningFive apples.
TipThe noun comes first, then the exact number.
ASL line .
MeaningMany cats.
TipMANY shows an amount without giving an exact number.
ASL line .
MeaningSome books.
TipSOME shows part of a group.
ASL line .
MeaningNo students.
TipNONE can show that the group has zero people or things.

Common Mistake

Do not fingerspell or add an English S to make a noun plural. ASL shows quantity with numbers, quantity signs, movement, or space.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

This separate-sign pattern is a simple bridge. Later lessons can show how numbers blend into signs, how classifiers show groups, and how space can show rows or scattered objects.