How to Sign "Increase"

To sign 'increase,' start with both hands in 'H' or 'U' handshapes, with your index and middle fingers extended and together. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing down. Place your dominant hand below it with the palm facing up. Move your dominant hand upward, flipping it over so the palm faces down, and land it on top of your non-dominant hand's fingers.

Examples Using "Increase" in a Sentence

1

The price will increase tomorrow.

Sign 'price,' then use the 'increase' sign to show the cost going up, and finish with 'tomorrow'.

2

I want to increase my ASL vocabulary.

Point to yourself, sign 'want,' use the 'increase' sign, and then sign 'vocabulary' to express your goal of adding more words.

3

Her salary increased this year.

Point to the person, sign 'money' or 'salary,' use the 'increase' sign, and finish with 'now' or 'this year'.

How to Sign "Increase"
To sign 'increase,' start with both hands in 'H' or 'U' handshapes, with your index and middle fingers extended and together. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing down. Place your dominant hand below it with the palm facing up. Move your dominant hand upward, flipping it over so the palm faces down, and land it on top of your non-dominant hand's fingers.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'increase' is highly visual and intuitive. Your non-dominant hand represents a base amount, while your dominant hand moving up and stacking on top of it visually demonstrates adding more to that base, perfectly illustrating the concept of an increase.
Signing Tips
Make sure the movement is clear and deliberate. The flipping motion of your dominant hand is key to showing the concept of adding onto something that already exists. Keep your non-dominant hand steady as a solid base.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong handshape, such as flat hands or just the index fingers. Ensure both hands are in the 'H' or 'U' handshape. Also, avoid moving both hands; your non-dominant hand must remain stationary.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Increase" in a Sentence
1

The price will increase tomorrow.

Sign 'price,' then use the 'increase' sign to show the cost going up, and finish with 'tomorrow'.

2

I want to increase my ASL vocabulary.

Point to yourself, sign 'want,' use the 'increase' sign, and then sign 'vocabulary' to express your goal of adding more words.

3

Her salary increased this year.

Point to the person, sign 'money' or 'salary,' use the 'increase' sign, and finish with 'now' or 'this year'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for 'add'?

Yes, this sign is often used for 'add' or 'addition' in a general sense, like adding to a pile or increasing an amount. However, for mathematical addition, there is a different specific sign.

Does the speed of the sign change the meaning?

Yes! The speed and size of your movement can show the degree of the increase. A large, fast movement indicates a sudden or significant increase, while a small, slow movement shows a gradual increase.

Which hand should be moving?

Your dominant hand should be the one moving and flipping over. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base. If you are right-handed, your right hand moves.

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