How to Sign "Best"

One hand starts as an open "B" handshape in front of the mouth with the palm facing the signer and the tips of the fingers extending just past the corner of the mouth. The hand is then drawn over the mouth and the fingers closed forming an "A" handshape.

Examples Using "Best" in a Sentence

1

You are my best friend.

Sign 'you', 'my', then perform the sign for 'best' by drawing your open 'B' hand across your mouth into an 'A' shape, followed by the sign for 'friend'.

2

This is the best movie!

Point to the movie or sign 'this', sign 'movie', and then emphasize the sign for 'best' with an enthusiastic facial expression as you close your hand into the 'A' handshape.

3

I will try my best.

Sign 'I', 'try', 'my', and finish with 'best', ensuring your palm faces you as you draw your hand over your mouth and close your fingers.

How to Sign "Best"
One hand starts as an open "B" handshape in front of the mouth with the palm facing the signer and the tips of the fingers extending just past the corner of the mouth. The hand is then drawn over the mouth and the fingers closed forming an "A" handshape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'best' is visually and conceptually related to the signs for 'good' and 'better'. In ASL, 'good' originates near the mouth. To show that something is exceeding 'good', the hand moves and closes into an 'A' handshape. 'Best' takes this concept to the highest degree, visually representing pulling the absolute top choice right from your mouth.
Signing Tips
When signing 'best', focus on a smooth, fluid transition from the open 'B' handshape to the closed 'A' handshape. Make sure your palm stays facing toward you throughout the movement. To emphasize that something is truly the 'best', you can make the movement slightly larger or more exaggerated, pairing it with an enthusiastic or approving facial expression.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is facing the palm outward instead of toward yourself. Make sure your palm is facing you the entire time. Another frequent error is starting with the hand too far away from the face; keep the open 'B' handshape close to your mouth before drawing it across and closing it into the 'A' handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Best" in a Sentence
1

You are my best friend.

Sign 'you', 'my', then perform the sign for 'best' by drawing your open 'B' hand across your mouth into an 'A' shape, followed by the sign for 'friend'.

2

This is the best movie!

Point to the movie or sign 'this', sign 'movie', and then emphasize the sign for 'best' with an enthusiastic facial expression as you close your hand into the 'A' handshape.

3

I will try my best.

Sign 'I', 'try', 'my', and finish with 'best', ensuring your palm faces you as you draw your hand over your mouth and close your fingers.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'better' and 'best'?

Both signs start at the mouth and close into an 'A' handshape. However, 'best' is usually signed with a larger, higher, or more exaggerated movement to show it is the absolute top degree, whereas 'better' is a slightly smaller movement.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'best'?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to start the open 'B' handshape at your mouth and draw it into the 'A' handshape.

Do I need to physically touch my mouth when signing 'best'?

You don't need to press your hand hard against your face. The open 'B' handshape should just be right in front of or very lightly brushing your mouth as you begin the movement.

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