How to Sign "Also"
To sign “also”, Using your dominant hand letter “Y” or only using thumb and pinkie out front of you. Then move this sign a little bit sideway a couple times, which is similar to “too, like, or same”
Examples Using "Also" in a Sentence
1
I want to go also.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want', point outward for 'go', then use your dominant 'Y' hand moving sideways a couple of times for 'also'.
2
She likes apples, and I do also.
After signing that she likes apples, point to yourself for 'I', then make the 'Y' handshape and shift it sideways twice to show that you share the same preference.
3
They are also learning ASL.
Point to them, sign 'learn', spell 'A-S-L', and finish by shifting your dominant 'Y' hand sideways to add the meaning of 'also'.
How to Sign "Also"
To sign “also”, Using your dominant hand letter “Y” or only using thumb and pinkie out front of you. Then move this sign a little bit sideway a couple times, which is similar to “too, like, or same”
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'also' shares its visual roots with the signs for 'same', 'too', and 'alike'. The 'Y' handshape shifting sideways visually represents a bridge or a parallel connection between two subjects, ideas, or people, showing that they share a common trait or action.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrist relaxed as you move your dominant hand sideways. The 'Y' handshape (thumb and pinky extended) should generally face downward. The movement should be small and crisp, shifting just a few inches to the side. Think of it as visually linking two similar ideas together.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the sideways movement too large or sweeping. The motion should be small and controlled. Another mistake is using a loose handshape—make sure only your thumb and pinky are extended, keeping your index, middle, and ring fingers tucked in tightly.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Also" in a Sentence
1I want to go also.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want', point outward for 'go', then use your dominant 'Y' hand moving sideways a couple of times for 'also'.
2She likes apples, and I do also.
After signing that she likes apples, point to yourself for 'I', then make the 'Y' handshape and shift it sideways twice to show that you share the same preference.
3They are also learning ASL.
Point to them, sign 'learn', spell 'A-S-L', and finish by shifting your dominant 'Y' hand sideways to add the meaning of 'also'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'also' the same as 'too'?
Yes! In ASL, the concepts of 'also', 'too', and 'alike' often use the exact same sign. You can use this 'Y' handshape moving sideways whenever you want to express that something is in addition to or identical to something else.
Do I use one hand or two hands for this sign?
For this specific version of 'also', you only need to use your dominant hand. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side while you make the 'Y' handshape and move it sideways.
Which direction should my palm face?
Your palm should generally face downward, with your thumb pointing toward your body and your pinky pointing away. The most important part is that the 'Y' handshape is clear as your hand shifts sideways.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!