How to Sign "Far"

To sign *far*, start with your non-dominant arm resting horizontally across your lower chest. Form your dominant hand into a '1' shape with your index finger pointing forward. Starting near your body, push your dominant hand forward, extending your arm outward to point into the distance. Squint your eyes while doing this, as the facial expression is essential for showing that something is far away.

Examples Using "Far" in a Sentence

1

The store is very far from here.

Sign 'far' with an exaggerated, slow forward motion and a strong squint to emphasize just how distant the store is.

2

Do you live far away?

Sign 'far' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly at the end of the sentence to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

We walked far today.

Use the sign for 'far' after signing 'walk' to show the extent of the distance covered, keeping your movement smooth and deliberate.

How to Sign "Far"
To sign *far*, start with your non-dominant arm resting horizontally across your lower chest. Form your dominant hand into a '1' shape with your index finger pointing forward. Starting near your body, push your dominant hand forward, extending your arm outward to point into the distance. Squint your eyes while doing this, as the facial expression is essential for showing that something is far away.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and intuitive. The dominant hand physically points outward into the distance, tracing the path to a faraway location. The squinting eyes mimic how we naturally look when trying to focus on an object that is barely visible on the horizon.
Signing Tips
The facial expression is just as important as the hand movement! Squinting your eyes and slightly opening your mouth naturally conveys that something is at a great distance. The further away the object is, the more you should extend your arm and exaggerate your squint.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting the facial expression. Without squinting your eyes, the sign might just look like you are pointing at something nearby. Additionally, make sure your dominant arm extends outward smoothly rather than stopping abruptly.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Far" in a Sentence
1

The store is very far from here.

Sign 'far' with an exaggerated, slow forward motion and a strong squint to emphasize just how distant the store is.

2

Do you live far away?

Sign 'far' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly at the end of the sentence to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

We walked far today.

Use the sign for 'far' after signing 'walk' to show the extent of the distance covered, keeping your movement smooth and deliberate.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my right hand to point?

No, you should use your dominant hand to point and do the moving. If you are left-handed, use your left hand to point forward while your right arm rests across your stomach.

How do I show that something is *extremely* far?

To show greater distance, extend your arm further and slower, tilt your head back slightly, and squint your eyes more intensely. The bigger the movement and expression, the further the distance.

Is this sign different from just pointing at something?

Yes! While it uses a pointing handshape, the specific forward pushing motion, the resting non-dominant arm, and the required squinting facial expression make it the specific sign for 'far' rather than a simple directional point.

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