Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Ex"

To sign 'ex', you simply fingerspell the letters E and X. Start with your dominant hand in an 'E' handshape, with your fingers curled in and resting on your thumb. Then, quickly transition to an 'X' handshape by hooking your index finger, keeping your palm facing forward the entire time.

Examples Using "Ex" in a Sentence

1

My ex called me yesterday.

Sign 'my', then smoothly fingerspell 'E-X'. Follow this with the signs for 'call' and 'yesterday'.

2

She is his ex-girlfriend.

Sign 'she', then use a possessive sign for 'his'. Next, fingerspell 'E-X' and immediately sign 'girlfriend'.

3

I ran into my ex at the store.

Sign 'I', then 'meet' (using the directional movement to show running into someone). Follow with 'my', fingerspell 'E-X', and sign 'store'.

How to Sign "Ex"
To sign 'ex', you simply fingerspell the letters E and X. Start with your dominant hand in an 'E' handshape, with your fingers curled in and resting on your thumb. Then, quickly transition to an 'X' handshape by hooking your index finger, keeping your palm facing forward the entire time.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'ex' is a direct fingerspelling of the English word. In American Sign Language, very short words—especially those with only two or three letters—are often simply fingerspelled rather than having a dedicated, unique sign. This is because fingerspelling such short words is highly efficient and clear.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling short words like 'ex', aim for a smooth and fluid transition between the letters rather than bouncing your hand. Keep your hand relatively still in a comfortable position in front of your shoulder, and let your fingers do the work. The movement from 'E' to 'X' should feel like a quick, natural snap.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is bouncing their hand between the 'E' and 'X' handshapes, which can make the fingerspelling difficult to read. Another frequent error is turning the palm inward or sideways; ensure your palm faces outward toward the person you are conversing with.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ex" in a Sentence
1

My ex called me yesterday.

Sign 'my', then smoothly fingerspell 'E-X'. Follow this with the signs for 'call' and 'yesterday'.

2

She is his ex-girlfriend.

Sign 'she', then use a possessive sign for 'his'. Next, fingerspell 'E-X' and immediately sign 'girlfriend'.

3

I ran into my ex at the store.

Sign 'I', then 'meet' (using the directional movement to show running into someone). Follow with 'my', fingerspell 'E-X', and sign 'store'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific sign for 'ex' or is it always fingerspelled?

'Ex' is typically fingerspelled (E-X). Because it is only two letters, fingerspelling is the fastest and most common way to express it in ASL. There isn't a widely used, separate sign just for the word 'ex'.

How do I sign 'ex-boyfriend' or 'ex-girlfriend'?

To sign 'ex-boyfriend' or 'ex-girlfriend', you first fingerspell 'E-X', and then immediately follow it with the sign for 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'. The transition between the fingerspelling and the sign should be smooth and continuous.

Should I mouth the word 'ex' while signing it?

Yes, it is common to mouth the word 'ex' slightly while fingerspelling it. This provides additional context and helps the receiver understand the fingerspelled word more easily, especially in a fast-paced conversation.

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