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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "How Are"

To sign 'how are', start with both hands in front of your body, palms facing up with your fingers spread and slightly curved. Move both hands slightly upward and outward. Crucially, furrow your eyebrows while making this motion, as this is the required facial expression for asking a 'wh-' question in ASL.

Examples Using "How Are" in a Sentence

1

How are you doing today?

Sign 'how are' with furrowed eyebrows, then simply point to the person you are talking to for 'YOU' and sign 'TODAY'.

2

How are your parents?

Sign 'how are', then sign 'YOUR' by pushing a flat palm toward the person, followed by the sign for 'PARENTS'.

3

How are we getting there?

Sign 'how are', then sign 'WE' and 'GO'. Remember to keep your eyebrows furrowed throughout the entire question to maintain the correct grammar.

How to Sign "How Are"
To sign 'how are', start with both hands in front of your body, palms facing up with your fingers spread and slightly curved. Move both hands slightly upward and outward. Crucially, furrow your eyebrows while making this motion, as this is the required facial expression for asking a 'wh-' question in ASL.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign relies on a natural, open-handed gesture that universally conveys a sense of inquiry. By presenting open palms facing upward, the signer visually offers a question to the receiver, creating an open space that invites an explanation, an update, or a description of their current status.
Signing Tips
The most important part of this sign is the facial expression. Always furrow your eyebrows when signing 'how are', as this signals to the other person that you are asking a question that requires more than a simple yes or no answer. Think of your face as doing the grammatical heavy lifting. Additionally, keep your hands and wrists relaxed. The movement should feel natural and conversational, not rigid or robotic.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is keeping a neutral face or raising the eyebrows. In ASL grammar, raising your eyebrows is strictly for yes/no questions, while furrowing them is required for 'wh-' questions like 'how'. If you raise your eyebrows, the person might be confused about what you are asking. Another mistake is making the hand movements too large or stiff; keep your fingers relaxed and the upward motion subtle.
Regional Variations
There is another very common standard sign for 'HOW' where the knuckles of both curved hands touch and roll outward. The open-handed version shown here is often used in casual conversation, especially when asking phrases like 'how are you?'.
Examples Using "How Are" in a Sentence
1

How are you doing today?

Sign 'how are' with furrowed eyebrows, then simply point to the person you are talking to for 'YOU' and sign 'TODAY'.

2

How are your parents?

Sign 'how are', then sign 'YOUR' by pushing a flat palm toward the person, followed by the sign for 'PARENTS'.

3

How are we getting there?

Sign 'how are', then sign 'WE' and 'GO'. Remember to keep your eyebrows furrowed throughout the entire question to maintain the correct grammar.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word 'are' separately?

No, ASL does not use 'to be' verbs like 'am', 'is', or 'are'. You simply sign 'HOW' and the subject, such as 'HOW YOU' for 'how are you'.

Why do my eyebrows need to be furrowed?

In ASL, facial expressions act as grammar. Furrowing your eyebrows indicates a 'WH-question' (who, what, where, when, why, how), letting the person know you are asking a question that requires an open-ended response.

Can I use this sign for 'how much' or 'how many'?

No, 'how much' and 'how many' have their own distinct signs, which usually involve tossing the fingers up from a closed handshape. This sign is used for asking about a state of being or a method.

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