Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Going"

The sign 'going' uses both hands. Curl both hands into fists, leaving the index fingers outstretched. The two hands should be parallel to each other, with the palms facing each other. Rotate the hands at the wrists so the fingers point out away from you.

Examples Using "Going" in a Sentence

1

I am going to the store.

Point to yourself for 'I,' then sign 'going' by rotating both outstretched index fingers forward away from your body, and finally sign 'store.' The forward motion of 'going' naturally leads toward your destination.

2

Are you going home?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'going' by flicking your index fingers outward at the wrists, and then sign 'home.' Remember to raise your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to show it is a yes/no question.

3

We are going to school.

Sign 'we' by moving your index finger from one shoulder to the other, use the double index finger motion for 'going,' and then sign 'school.' The movement for 'going' clearly shows the action of leaving your current spot.

How to Sign "Going"
The sign 'going' uses both hands. Curl both hands into fists, leaving the index fingers outstretched. The two hands should be parallel to each other, with the palms facing each other. Rotate the hands at the wrists so the fingers point out away from you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'going' is highly intuitive and visually represents the concept of movement or travel. Your two index fingers act as a visual representation of legs, people, or objects moving from one place to another. By starting with the fingers pointing up and rotating them to point forward, you are physically mimicking the action of departing or heading toward a destination. The forward trajectory perfectly captures the essence of leaving your current location.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'going' look natural, focus on the wrist movement rather than moving your whole arms. Keep your elbows relatively still and let your wrists do the work as you rotate your index fingers forward. The motion should be crisp and deliberate, showing a clear direction. You can also modify the direction of your fingers to show exactly where you are going—if you are going to a location on your right, point your fingers to the right!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using their entire arm to push forward instead of just rotating at the wrists, which makes the sign look stiff. Another frequent error is pointing the palms down instead of keeping them facing each other. Make sure your hands are parallel with palms facing inward before you rotate your wrists outward. Finally, ensure only the index fingers are extended; keeping the thumb out can accidentally change the meaning of the sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Going" in a Sentence
1

I am going to the store.

Point to yourself for 'I,' then sign 'going' by rotating both outstretched index fingers forward away from your body, and finally sign 'store.' The forward motion of 'going' naturally leads toward your destination.

2

Are you going home?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'going' by flicking your index fingers outward at the wrists, and then sign 'home.' Remember to raise your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to show it is a yes/no question.

3

We are going to school.

Sign 'we' by moving your index finger from one shoulder to the other, use the double index finger motion for 'going,' and then sign 'school.' The movement for 'going' clearly shows the action of leaving your current spot.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use just one hand to sign 'going'?

While the formal and most clear way to sign 'going' uses both hands as described, you might see fluent signers use just their dominant hand in casual, fast-paced conversation. However, as a beginner, it is best to practice using both hands to build good habits.

Does the direction I point my fingers matter?

Yes! ASL is a spatial language. If you are going straight ahead, point forward. If you are going to a specific place on your right, you can rotate your wrists so your fingers point to the right. This adds great visual detail to your sentences.

What is the difference between 'going' and 'go' in ASL?

In ASL, the exact same sign is typically used for 'go,' 'goes,' and 'going.' ASL does not use English verb endings like '-ing.' Instead, you rely on the context of your sentence or specific time signs (like 'now' or 'tomorrow') to show when the action happens.

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