How to Sign "Alone"
To sign 'alone', bring the hand into a fist with the index finger outstretched. With the palm facing towards you, hit the palm against the sternum a few times, moving the index finger back and forth.
Examples Using "Alone" in a Sentence
1
I live alone in my apartment.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'live', and then use the '1' handshape tapping your sternum with the back-and-forth motion to sign 'alone'.
2
She went to the store alone.
Sign 'she', 'go', and 'store', then finish by bringing your index finger to your chest, tapping your sternum to show she completed the action by herself.
3
Do you want to be alone?
Sign 'you' and 'want', then perform the 'alone' sign against your chest while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.
How to Sign "Alone"
To sign 'alone', bring the hand into a fist with the index finger outstretched. With the palm facing towards you, hit the palm against the sternum a few times, moving the index finger back and forth.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'alone' relies heavily on the visual symbolism of the '1' handshape. In American Sign Language, the index finger pointing up frequently represents a single unit, an individual, or the concept of 'one'. By bringing this single finger to your sternum—the center of the body often used to represent the self—and isolating the movement there, the sign creates a clear, iconic picture of a person existing by themselves, separated from a group.
Signing Tips
To sign 'alone' clearly, make sure you are using your dominant hand. Form a crisp, tight fist with only your index finger fully extended, representing the number one. Bring your hand to the center of your chest (your sternum) with your palm facing inward. As you tap your palm against your chest, keep the back-and-forth movement of the index finger controlled and rhythmic. Keep your facial expression neutral unless you are conveying a specific emotion.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using a loose handshape where other fingers are slightly extended, which can muddy the sign. Ensure your hand is in a firm fist with only the index finger out. Another common error is making the back-and-forth movement too wide or moving the hand entirely off the chest. Remember that the description specifies hitting the palm against the sternum, so keep the motion localized and close to your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Alone" in a Sentence
1I live alone in my apartment.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'live', and then use the '1' handshape tapping your sternum with the back-and-forth motion to sign 'alone'.
2She went to the store alone.
Sign 'she', 'go', and 'store', then finish by bringing your index finger to your chest, tapping your sternum to show she completed the action by herself.
3Do you want to be alone?
Sign 'you' and 'want', then perform the 'alone' sign against your chest while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'alone' the same sign as 'lonely'?
No, they are different. While both use the '1' handshape, 'lonely' typically involves a twisting motion of the index finger on the chin or chest, accompanied by a sad facial expression. This sign for 'alone' focuses purely on the physical state of being by yourself.
Can I use this sign to mean 'only'?
While 'only' and 'alone' share the '1' handshape, 'only' is usually signed by holding the index finger up with the palm facing outward, then twisting the wrist so the palm faces inward. Use the sternum-tapping motion specifically when you mean 'alone' or 'by oneself'.
Should I tap my chest hard?
No, the tapping should be gentle. You want to make clear contact with your sternum using your palm, but it should never be forceful or painful. A light, rhythmic tapping combined with the back-and-forth motion of the index finger is all that is needed.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!