Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "From"

the sign 'from' uses both hands. bring the non-dominant hand up towards the chest, with the palm facing outwards. curl the hand into a fist with the index finger extended, pointing up towards the ceiling. bring the dominant hand into a fist with the index finger extended. with the back of the dominant hand facing outwards, press the index fingernail against the knuckle of the non-dominant hand. bring the dominant hand in closer to your chest, curling the finger as you move the hand back so the dominant hand ends in an x hand shape.

Examples Using "From" in a Sentence

1

Where are you from?

Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'FROM' by pulling your dominant index finger away from your non-dominant index finger, and sign 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.

2

I am from New York.

Point to yourself to indicate 'I', sign 'FROM' by making contact with your non-dominant knuckle and pulling back into an 'X' shape, and then fingerspell N-Y.

3

The letter is from my mom.

Sign 'LETTER', then sign 'FROM' using the standard pulling-back motion, followed by 'MY' (flat hand on chest) and 'MOM' (thumb of an open hand tapping your chin).

How to Sign "From"
the sign 'from' uses both hands. bring the non-dominant hand up towards the chest, with the palm facing outwards. curl the hand into a fist with the index finger extended, pointing up towards the ceiling. bring the dominant hand into a fist with the index finger extended. with the back of the dominant hand facing outwards, press the index fingernail against the knuckle of the non-dominant hand. bring the dominant hand in closer to your chest, curling the finger as you move the hand back so the dominant hand ends in an x hand shape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'from' is highly visual and iconic. Your non-dominant hand represents a fixed starting point or location. Your dominant hand touching it and then pulling away perfectly mimics the concept of originating at a specific place and moving away from it.
Signing Tips
Focus on the starting contact point. Make sure your dominant index finger clearly touches the knuckle of your non-dominant index finger before pulling back. The curling motion into the 'X' handshape should happen smoothly as your hand moves toward your chest, emphasizing the idea of drawing something away from its source.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving both hands during the sign. Remember that your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary starting point and should remain still. Additionally, beginners sometimes forget to curl the dominant index finger into an 'X' handshape, simply pulling a straight finger back instead.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "From" in a Sentence
1

Where are you from?

Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'FROM' by pulling your dominant index finger away from your non-dominant index finger, and sign 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.

2

I am from New York.

Point to yourself to indicate 'I', sign 'FROM' by making contact with your non-dominant knuckle and pulling back into an 'X' shape, and then fingerspell N-Y.

3

The letter is from my mom.

Sign 'LETTER', then sign 'FROM' using the standard pulling-back motion, followed by 'MY' (flat hand on chest) and 'MOM' (thumb of an open hand tapping your chin).

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to furrow my eyebrows when signing 'Where are you from?'

Yes! In ASL, 'wh-' questions like 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', and 'why' require you to furrow your eyebrows. When asking 'Where are you from?', furrowing your eyebrows is essential to show it is a question.

Does it matter which hand is the stationary one?

Yes, your non-dominant hand should always be the stationary one pointing up. Your dominant hand (the one you write with) is the active hand that makes contact and pulls back toward your chest.

Can I use this sign for time, like 'from Monday to Friday'?

Yes, you can use this sign to show a starting point in time. However, ASL also frequently uses spatial movement or the sign 'THROUGH' to show duration between two days. Using 'FROM' as the starting anchor is a great, clear way for beginners to express this.

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