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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Best Friend"

To sign "best friend," start by forming an "R" handshape with your dominant hand, crossing your middle finger over your index finger. Hold your hand up near your chest or shoulder level with your palm facing forward or slightly to the side. Make a small, sharp bouncing or downward pulling motion. This distinct, single-handed movement emphasizes the closeness of the relationship compared to the standard two-handed sign for friend.

Examples Using "Best Friend" in a Sentence

1

She is my best friend.

Point to the person (or sign 'SHE'), point to yourself for 'MY', and then sign 'best friend' using the 'R' handshape with a firm, confident bounce to show the strong bond.

2

Are you two best friends?

Point to the two people, sign 'best friend', and raise your eyebrows while leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.

3

I love hanging out with my best friend.

Sign 'I', 'LOVE', 'HANG-OUT', 'WITH', 'MY', and finish with the 'best friend' sign. Make sure the 'R' handshape bounce is clear and enthusiastic!

How to Sign "Best Friend"
To sign "best friend," start by forming an "R" handshape with your dominant hand, crossing your middle finger over your index finger. Hold your hand up near your chest or shoulder level with your palm facing forward or slightly to the side. Make a small, sharp bouncing or downward pulling motion. This distinct, single-handed movement emphasizes the closeness of the relationship compared to the standard two-handed sign for friend.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "best friend" using the "R" handshape is a popular colloquial sign, often translating closely to "bestie." The tightly crossed fingers visually represent two people who are inseparable and closely bonded. It takes the concept of two individuals—much like the interlocking fingers in the traditional sign for "friend"—and condenses them into a single, unified, tightly knit handshape.
Signing Tips
When signing "best friend," your facial expression is just as important as the handshape. Show warmth and affection on your face to match the meaning of the word. Ensure your "R" handshape is tightly crossed (middle finger over index finger) so it doesn't look like a "U" or "V" handshape. The bouncing or downward motion should be relatively small and crisp, not a large, sweeping arm movement. Keep the sign close to your upper body.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using the standard sign for "friend" (hooking the index fingers together twice) when they specifically mean "best friend." While not entirely wrong, it loses the emphasis of a "best" friend. Another common error is making the bouncing motion too large or floppy, which can look sloppy. Keep the movement sharp and controlled. Finally, be careful not to uncross your fingers; maintaining a clear "R" handshape is crucial for this specific variation.
Regional Variations
There are a few common ways to sign "best friend." While this video shows the "R" handshape version (often meaning "bestie"), another very common variation uses the standard "friend" sign (hooking index fingers) but holds the fingers tightly interlocked and pulls them firmly toward the chest. Some signers might also simply sign the word "BEST" followed by the standard sign for "FRIEND."
Examples Using "Best Friend" in a Sentence
1

She is my best friend.

Point to the person (or sign 'SHE'), point to yourself for 'MY', and then sign 'best friend' using the 'R' handshape with a firm, confident bounce to show the strong bond.

2

Are you two best friends?

Point to the two people, sign 'best friend', and raise your eyebrows while leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.

3

I love hanging out with my best friend.

Sign 'I', 'LOVE', 'HANG-OUT', 'WITH', 'MY', and finish with the 'best friend' sign. Make sure the 'R' handshape bounce is clear and enthusiastic!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just sign 'BEST' and then 'FRIEND'?

Yes, signing the separate words 'BEST' and 'FRIEND' is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, the 'R' handshape version shown here is a very popular, natural way to say 'bestie' or 'best friend' in a single, fluid motion.

Does it matter which hand I use?

You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like this version of 'best friend.' If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Consistency is key in ASL.

Why do we cross the fingers for this sign?

The crossed fingers (the 'R' handshape) visually symbolize two people who are tightly bonded and inseparable. It's a quick, iconic way to show a relationship that is closer and more intertwined than a standard friendship.

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