How to Sign "Awsome"

To sign 'awesome', start by forming an 'A' handshape with your non-dominant hand and hold it up in front of your chest with the palm facing across your body. Next, extend the index finger of your dominant hand and point it directly at your non-dominant hand's 'A' handshape. Be sure to use an enthusiastic, happy facial expression to convey the excitement and positive energy of the word!

Examples Using "Awsome" in a Sentence

1

That movie was awesome!

To sign this sentence, start by signing 'movie' with your hands. Then, transition into the sign for 'awesome' by forming the 'A' handshape with your non-dominant hand and pointing to it with your dominant index finger. Don't forget to smile brightly to show how great the movie was!

2

You did an awesome job.

Begin by pointing directly at the person to sign 'you', followed by the sign for 'work' or 'job'. Finish the sentence by holding up your non-dominant 'A' handshape and pointing at it with your dominant hand. Add an encouraging nod and a smile to show your appreciation.

3

We had an awesome time at the party.

Start by signing 'party' using both hands swinging back and forth. Then, to describe the event, bring up your non-dominant hand in an 'A' handshape and point to it with your dominant index finger. Show your excitement through your facial expression to convey that the party was truly awesome.

How to Sign "Awsome"
To sign 'awesome', start by forming an 'A' handshape with your non-dominant hand and hold it up in front of your chest with the palm facing across your body. Next, extend the index finger of your dominant hand and point it directly at your non-dominant hand's 'A' handshape. Be sure to use an enthusiastic, happy facial expression to convey the excitement and positive energy of the word!
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This specific variation of the sign for 'awesome' relies heavily on initialization and visual emphasis. By forming the letter 'A' with your non-dominant hand, you are providing a direct visual link to the first letter of the English word 'awesome'. The dominant hand then acts as a spotlight, pointing directly at the 'A' handshape to draw attention to it. This combination of a letter handshape and a pointing gesture creates a strong, memorable visual representation of the concept.
Signing Tips
To make your sign for 'awesome' look crisp and clear, ensure your non-dominant hand forms a strong 'A' handshape. Keep your thumb resting straight alongside your index finger, rather than crossing over the front. When you point with your dominant hand, keep your index finger straight and direct it right at the 'A' handshape. Because 'awesome' is an emotional and energetic word, your facial expression is crucial. Give a big smile and show genuine excitement to match the energy of the sign!
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make with this sign is forming an 'S' handshape (with the thumb wrapped across the front of the fingers) instead of a clear 'A' handshape. It is important to keep the thumb resting on the side of the hand so the 'A' is visible. Another common error is forgetting to use facial expressions. Signing 'awesome' with a blank or neutral face can confuse the person you are talking to, so always remember to show enthusiasm and excitement!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Awsome" in a Sentence
1

That movie was awesome!

To sign this sentence, start by signing 'movie' with your hands. Then, transition into the sign for 'awesome' by forming the 'A' handshape with your non-dominant hand and pointing to it with your dominant index finger. Don't forget to smile brightly to show how great the movie was!

2

You did an awesome job.

Begin by pointing directly at the person to sign 'you', followed by the sign for 'work' or 'job'. Finish the sentence by holding up your non-dominant 'A' handshape and pointing at it with your dominant hand. Add an encouraging nod and a smile to show your appreciation.

3

We had an awesome time at the party.

Start by signing 'party' using both hands swinging back and forth. Then, to describe the event, bring up your non-dominant hand in an 'A' handshape and point to it with your dominant index finger. Show your excitement through your facial expression to convey that the party was truly awesome.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign 'awesome' with just one hand?

For this specific variation of the sign, you will need to use both hands. The sign relies on the interaction between the two hands—one holding the 'A' handshape and the other pointing to it. Using both hands ensures the meaning is clear and visually impactful for the viewer.

Does my facial expression matter for this sign?

Absolutely! In American Sign Language, your facial expressions provide the tone and emotion of the conversation. Because 'awesome' is such an energetic and positive word, signing it with a neutral face would feel unnatural. Always remember to smile and look genuinely excited to convey the full meaning.

Which hand should form the 'A' handshape?

As a general rule, you should use your non-dominant hand to form the stationary 'A' handshape. Your dominant hand—the one you use for writing or most daily tasks—should be the one doing the active pointing. This setup keeps your signing comfortable, natural, and easy to read.

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