How to Sign "Faster"

To sign "faster," start with both hands in "L" shapes in front of your body, with your index fingers pointing forward and thumbs pointing up. Quickly pull both hands back towards your chest. As you pull back, curl your index fingers in to close your hands into "A" or "S" shapes. The movement should be sharp and quick to convey the meaning of speed.

Examples Using "Faster" in a Sentence

1

Can you walk faster?

Sign "walk" followed by "faster," using a slightly more intense facial expression and a sharper backward pull to emphasize the request for speed.

2

My new computer is much faster.

Sign "my," "new," "computer," and then "faster." You can exaggerate the quick pulling motion of the "L" hands to show just how much speed the new computer has.

3

We need to finish this faster.

Sign "we," "need," "finish," and then "faster." Ensure the movement of pulling your hands back into fists is brisk to match the urgency of the sentence.

How to Sign "Faster"
To sign "faster," start with both hands in "L" shapes in front of your body, with your index fingers pointing forward and thumbs pointing up. Quickly pull both hands back towards your chest. As you pull back, curl your index fingers in to close your hands into "A" or "S" shapes. The movement should be sharp and quick to convey the meaning of speed.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "faster" is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of speed or acceleration. The motion of grabbing something with the "L" hands and quickly yanking it backward mimics the action of pulling back on the reins of a horse or pulling a throttle to increase speed. The sharp, sudden closing of the hands into fists further emphasizes the sudden burst of energy and quickness associated with moving fast.
Signing Tips
The key to signing "faster" effectively is the speed and crispness of the movement. Since the sign itself means "fast" or "faster," the physical motion should reflect that concept. Make sure the transition from the open "L" handshapes to the closed fists happens simultaneously as you pull your hands backward. Adding a slight head nod or an intense facial expression can also help emphasize the urgency or degree of speed you are trying to convey.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is performing the pulling motion too slowly or gently, which contradicts the meaning of the word. Another frequent error is forgetting to change the handshape; make sure you don't just pull the "L" shapes back, but actively close your index fingers into your thumbs to form fists. Finally, ensure both hands move together symmetrically rather than alternating.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Faster" in a Sentence
1

Can you walk faster?

Sign "walk" followed by "faster," using a slightly more intense facial expression and a sharper backward pull to emphasize the request for speed.

2

My new computer is much faster.

Sign "my," "new," "computer," and then "faster." You can exaggerate the quick pulling motion of the "L" hands to show just how much speed the new computer has.

3

We need to finish this faster.

Sign "we," "need," "finish," and then "faster." Ensure the movement of pulling your hands back into fists is brisk to match the urgency of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for "faster" the same as "fast"?

Yes, the core sign is the same. To specifically mean "faster" as a comparative, you might emphasize the sign by making the pulling motion even quicker or sharper than usual. Context usually makes it clear.

Do I have to use both hands for this sign?

Yes, "faster" is a two-handed sign. Both hands should start in the "L" shape and pull back simultaneously into fists. Using only one hand might confuse the viewer or look like a different sign altogether.

Where should my hands end up at the end of the sign?

Your hands should end up close to your torso, around chest or upper stomach level. The movement starts a few inches in front of you and snaps back toward your body, ending abruptly as your hands close into fists.

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