Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Hows It Going"

Form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing up and hold them in front of your chest. Move your hands in alternating forward circles, similar to the motion of pedaling a bicycle. One hand should move forward while the other circles back toward you. Since this is a question and a friendly greeting, make sure to include an inquisitive facial expression, such as slightly furrowed or raised eyebrows, to show you are asking a question.

Examples Using "Hows It Going" in a Sentence

1

Hey, how's it going?

Sign a casual 'HELLO' followed immediately by the 'HOW'S IT GOING' sign with a friendly, inquisitive expression.

2

Long time no see! How's it going?

Start with the sign for 'LONG TIME NO SEE', then transition into 'HOW'S IT GOING' to catch up with a friend.

3

How's it going with your new job?

Establish the topic first by signing 'YOUR NEW WORK', then ask 'HOW'S IT GOING' with raised eyebrows to show interest.

How to Sign "Hows It Going"
Form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing up and hold them in front of your chest. Move your hands in alternating forward circles, similar to the motion of pedaling a bicycle. One hand should move forward while the other circles back toward you. Since this is a question and a friendly greeting, make sure to include an inquisitive facial expression, such as slightly furrowed or raised eyebrows, to show you are asking a question.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The alternating, forward-rolling motion of the hands visually represents the progression of life, time, or events. It creates a strong visual metaphor of things 'moving along' or 'rolling forward,' much like the gears of a machine or the wheels of a bicycle. By using this continuous, forward-moving action, the sign perfectly captures the conceptual meaning of asking how someone's life, day, or current situation is proceeding.
Signing Tips
Keep the alternating circular movement relaxed and fluid, as this is a casual, conversational greeting. Your thumbs should remain pointing up throughout the motion, and your facial expression should show genuine interest. Because it is a WH-question, you can slightly furrow your eyebrows, though a relaxed, friendly smile is also perfectly acceptable when greeting a friend. Make sure the circles are relatively small and contained in front of your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands forward at the exact same time instead of alternating them. Remember to use a pedaling motion, where one hand moves forward as the other circles back. Beginners also sometimes forget to use an inquisitive facial expression, which is crucial for asking a question in ASL. Finally, make sure your hands stay in the 'A' handshape with the thumbs clearly pointing up, rather than letting the fingers loosen into a relaxed fist.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hows It Going" in a Sentence
1

Hey, how's it going?

Sign a casual 'HELLO' followed immediately by the 'HOW'S IT GOING' sign with a friendly, inquisitive expression.

2

Long time no see! How's it going?

Start with the sign for 'LONG TIME NO SEE', then transition into 'HOW'S IT GOING' to catch up with a friend.

3

How's it going with your new job?

Establish the topic first by signing 'YOUR NEW WORK', then ask 'HOW'S IT GOING' with raised eyebrows to show interest.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the words 'it' and 'going' separately?

No, ASL is a conceptual language. This single pedaling sign captures the entire meaning of the phrase 'how's it going' or 'how are things.' You do not need to translate the English words individually.

Is this sign different from the standard sign for 'how'?

Yes! The standard sign for 'how' uses curved hands that twist inward. The sign for 'how's it going' uses 'A' handshapes in a pedaling motion to specifically ask about the progression of things.

Is this a formal or informal greeting?

This is generally a casual, friendly greeting used in everyday conversation. While it is very common, in highly formal situations, you might choose to use the standard 'HOW ARE YOU' instead.

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