How to Sign "About"

the sign 'about' uses both hands. press the fingertips of the non-dominant hand together to create a teardrop shape. ball the dominant hand into a fist with the index finger extended. tap the index finger against the fingers of the non-dominant hand, then rotate the index finger around the other fingers before letting it rest where it started.

Examples Using "About" in a Sentence

1

What is the movie about?

Sign 'movie', then perform the 'about' sign by circling your dominant index finger around your non-dominant teardrop handshape. Furrow your eyebrows at the end to show you are asking a 'wh-' question.

2

Tell me about your family.

Sign 'tell-me', then use the 'about' sign exactly as described, making sure your non-dominant hand stays still while the dominant index finger circles it. Finish by signing 'your family'.

3

I am thinking about you.

Point to your forehead for 'think', execute the 'about' sign by tapping and circling your dominant index finger around your pinched non-dominant fingers, and then point to the person.

How to Sign "About"
the sign 'about' uses both hands. press the fingertips of the non-dominant hand together to create a teardrop shape. ball the dominant hand into a fist with the index finger extended. tap the index finger against the fingers of the non-dominant hand, then rotate the index finger around the other fingers before letting it rest where it started.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The non-dominant hand, pinched into a teardrop shape, represents a central topic, subject, or idea. The dominant index finger circling around it visually demonstrates the concept of encompassing or revolving 'around' that specific subject.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand completely stationary while signing 'about'. The movement should come entirely from your dominant hand. Ensure the circle is smooth and deliberate, starting with a clear tap and ending with your index finger resting right back where it started.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving both hands in a circle instead of keeping the non-dominant hand still. Another frequent error is leaving the non-dominant hand open and flat instead of pressing the fingertips together into the required teardrop shape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "About" in a Sentence
1

What is the movie about?

Sign 'movie', then perform the 'about' sign by circling your dominant index finger around your non-dominant teardrop handshape. Furrow your eyebrows at the end to show you are asking a 'wh-' question.

2

Tell me about your family.

Sign 'tell-me', then use the 'about' sign exactly as described, making sure your non-dominant hand stays still while the dominant index finger circles it. Finish by signing 'your family'.

3

I am thinking about you.

Point to your forehead for 'think', execute the 'about' sign by tapping and circling your dominant index finger around your pinched non-dominant fingers, and then point to the person.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'approximately'?

No, this specific sign means 'about' in the sense of 'concerning' or 'regarding' a topic. If you want to say 'about 5 o'clock' (meaning approximately), you would use a different sign, which involves waving an open hand in a small circle.

Which direction should my index finger circle?

Your dominant index finger should generally circle forward and outward around the non-dominant fingertips. The most important aspect is completing a full circle around the stationary hand and returning to the exact starting point.

Do my hands actually need to touch?

Yes! To sign this correctly, your dominant index finger should physically tap the fingertips of your non-dominant hand at the beginning of the motion, circle around, and then rest back against them at the end.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!