How to Sign "Come"

the sign 'come' uses both hands. ball both hands into fists but leave the index fingers extended. bring the hands up towards shoulder height, with the fingers pointed up and the palms pointed in towards you. pull the hands from far in front of you to closer in.

Examples Using "Come" in a Sentence

1

Come here, please.

Sign 'come' by pulling both extended index fingers toward your body as described, then sign 'please' by rubbing a flat, open hand in a circular motion on your chest.

2

Are you coming to the party?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'party,' and then use the two-handed 'come' sign, pulling your index fingers toward yourself. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

3

Come with me.

Use the two-handed 'come' sign, pulling your index fingers from a distance in toward your chest. Follow this immediately with the sign for 'with' by bringing both 'A' handshapes together.

How to Sign "Come"
the sign 'come' uses both hands. ball both hands into fists but leave the index fingers extended. bring the hands up towards shoulder height, with the fingers pointed up and the palms pointed in towards you. pull the hands from far in front of you to closer in.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'come' is highly iconic and relies on a natural, universally understood gesture. The extended index fingers act as classifiers representing people or entities. By pulling them from a distance toward your own body, you are visually mimicking the exact physical act of someone moving from 'over there' to your current location.
Signing Tips
Focus heavily on the direction of your movement. The sign for 'come' is highly directional, meaning the movement itself shows the action happening toward your location. Keep your index fingers clearly extended and ensure your palms face your body as you pull your hands inward. Using a welcoming facial expression will also help convey a friendly invitation.
Common Mistakes
A frequent beginner mistake is pointing the index fingers forward or having the palms face outward instead of inward. Remember that your palms must face you, and the fingers point up as you pull them toward your chest. Another common error is bending the fingers into a hooking motion; keep those index fingers straight and extended the whole time.
Regional Variations
While this two-handed version is very common and clear, you will frequently see 'come' signed using only one hand in everyday conversation. The one-handed version uses the exact same handshape (extended index finger) and inward pulling motion, but it is performed with the dominant hand alone.
Examples Using "Come" in a Sentence
1

Come here, please.

Sign 'come' by pulling both extended index fingers toward your body as described, then sign 'please' by rubbing a flat, open hand in a circular motion on your chest.

2

Are you coming to the party?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'party,' and then use the two-handed 'come' sign, pulling your index fingers toward yourself. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

3

Come with me.

Use the two-handed 'come' sign, pulling your index fingers from a distance in toward your chest. Follow this immediately with the sign for 'with' by bringing both 'A' handshapes together.

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

Yes! While this specific variation uses both hands for emphasis and clarity, it is perfectly acceptable and very common to sign 'come' using only your dominant hand. The handshape and inward pulling motion remain exactly the same.

Does the speed of the sign change its meaning?

Absolutely. The speed and intensity of your movement change the tone. A slow, gentle pull translates to a polite invitation. Conversely, a sharp, fast pull paired with a stern facial expression makes it a firm command, like 'come here right now!'

How is this different from the sign for 'go'?

The signs for 'come' and 'go' are directional opposites. For 'come,' you pull your extended index fingers toward your body. For 'go,' you start with your hands closer to your body and push those same index fingers outward, away from yourself.

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