How to Sign "It"
This word does not have a sign, it is a word that will need to be finger spelled. You can spell it out with each individual letter. I-T
Examples Using "It" in a Sentence
1
I want it.
Sign 'I', then 'WANT', and finally smoothly fingerspell I-T. Keep your hand in a comfortable, steady position near your shoulder.
2
Where is it?
Fingerspell I-T, then sign 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a WH-question.
3
It is cold.
Fingerspell I-T, then sign 'COLD'. Remember that ASL often drops state-of-being verbs like 'is', so you only need to sign those two concepts.
How to Sign "It"
This word does not have a sign, it is a word that will need to be finger spelled. You can spell it out with each individual letter. I-T
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, very short English words—especially two-letter words like 'it', 'do', 'or', and 'go'—are frequently fingerspelled. Because transitioning between just two handshapes is so quick and efficient, ASL adopted the fingerspelled version rather than creating a completely separate, unique sign for the concept.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling short, two-letter words like 'it', focus on a smooth transition between the letters rather than speed. Keep your hand steady at about shoulder height and avoid bouncing your wrist between the 'I' and the 'T'. A fluid, stationary motion makes the word much easier for your conversation partner to read.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is bouncing their hand up and down for each letter when fingerspelling I-T. Another common error is mouthing the individual letters ('eye', 'tee') instead of just mouthing the word 'it' or keeping a neutral expression. Always keep your hand stationary and let your fingers do the work.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "It" in a Sentence
1I want it.
Sign 'I', then 'WANT', and finally smoothly fingerspell I-T. Keep your hand in a comfortable, steady position near your shoulder.
2Where is it?
Fingerspell I-T, then sign 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a WH-question.
3It is cold.
Fingerspell I-T, then sign 'COLD'. Remember that ASL often drops state-of-being verbs like 'is', so you only need to sign those two concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just point to something instead of spelling 'it'?
Yes! In natural ASL, pointing (called indexing) is the most common way to refer to 'it' if the object is in the room. However, if the object isn't present or you are emphasizing the specific English word, fingerspelling I-T is the correct approach.
How fast should I spell I-T?
Clarity is always more important than speed. Focus on making a clear 'I' handshape, then a clear 'T' handshape. As you practice the transition between these two specific letters, your speed will naturally increase.
Should my palm face me or the other person?
When fingerspelling I-T, your palm should face outward, toward the person you are communicating with. This is the standard palm orientation for most letters in the ASL alphabet.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!