How to Sign "Five"
To sign 'five', splay all the fingers of the hand. Bring the hand up so the palm is facing you, and the fingertips are pointed up.
Examples Using "Five" in a Sentence
1
I have five apples.
Sign 'I', 'have', 'apples', and then hold up your dominant hand with all fingers splayed and your palm facing inward to show the quantity 'five'.
2
She is five years old.
Sign 'She', 'old/age', and then form the number 'five' by splaying your fingers with the palm facing you. In ASL, age numbers often incorporate the number directly into the age sign, but signing them sequentially works for beginners.
3
We need five more chairs.
Sign 'We', 'need', 'more', 'chairs', and finish by clearly showing the number 'five' with your fingers spread apart and your palm facing yourself.
How to Sign "Five"
To sign 'five', splay all the fingers of the hand. Bring the hand up so the palm is facing you, and the fingertips are pointed up.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'five' is highly iconic and literal. It simply uses the five digits of the hand, splayed open, to visually represent the exact quantity of five.
Signing Tips
Ensure your fingers are clearly separated and splayed so the sign doesn't look like a closed 'B' handshape. Keep your hand steady and at a comfortable height near your upper chest or shoulder area so it is easy to see.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is facing the palm outward, away from the body. While hearing people often hold up five fingers with the palm facing out, ASL cardinal numbers 1 through 5 are traditionally signed with the palm facing inward towards the signer.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Five" in a Sentence
1I have five apples.
Sign 'I', 'have', 'apples', and then hold up your dominant hand with all fingers splayed and your palm facing inward to show the quantity 'five'.
2She is five years old.
Sign 'She', 'old/age', and then form the number 'five' by splaying your fingers with the palm facing you. In ASL, age numbers often incorporate the number directly into the age sign, but signing them sequentially works for beginners.
3We need five more chairs.
Sign 'We', 'need', 'more', 'chairs', and finish by clearly showing the number 'five' with your fingers spread apart and your palm facing yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the palm face inward for the number five?
In ASL, cardinal numbers 1 through 5 are traditionally signed with the palm facing the signer. This is a foundational rule of ASL numbering that helps differentiate these numbers from other signs and gestures.
Can I use either hand to sign five?
You should always use your dominant hand to sign numbers. If you are right-handed, use your right hand with the palm facing you; if you are left-handed, use your left hand.
How is this different from the '5' handshape used in other signs?
The '5' handshape (an open hand with splayed fingers) is a building block used in many ASL signs, like 'mom' or 'dad'. When signing the actual number 'five', the handshape is the same, but it is held stationary in front of you with the palm facing inward.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!