Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Last"

To sign "last," form both hands into "I" handshapes by extending your pinky fingers and curling your other fingers inward. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest with the pinky pointing forward. Bring your dominant hand downward, striking your dominant pinky against the tip or side of your non-dominant pinky as it passes.

Examples Using "Last" in a Sentence

1

He was the last person to arrive.

Sign "last" before signing "person" and "arrive" to indicate he was at the end of the sequence. The downward strike emphasizes the finality of his arrival.

2

This is my last piece of candy.

Use the sign for "last" to show finality, followed by the signs for "candy" and pointing to yourself. This clearly communicates that there is no more left.

3

I read the last chapter of the book.

Sign "last" right before signing "chapter" to specify which part of the book you finished reading. The pinky strike perfectly illustrates reaching the very end of the story.

How to Sign "Last"
To sign "last," form both hands into "I" handshapes by extending your pinky fingers and curling your other fingers inward. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest with the pinky pointing forward. Bring your dominant hand downward, striking your dominant pinky against the tip or side of your non-dominant pinky as it passes.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual logic of this sign is deeply tied to the idea of a sequence. On the human hand, the pinky finger is the final, smallest digit. By using the pinky fingers and striking the dominant one downward past the stationary one, the sign visually symbolizes reaching the very end of a line, list, or series of events.
Signing Tips
When signing "last," focus on making the movement of your dominant hand a clear, crisp downward strike. The contact between the two pinky fingers should be brief but noticeable, like you are crossing the final item off a list. Keep your non-dominant hand steady in front of your chest to provide a clear, stationary target for the movement.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using their index fingers instead of their pinky fingers. In ASL, striking the index fingers together means "same," so this will confuse your conversation partner! Another common error is moving both hands simultaneously; remember that your non-dominant hand must stay completely still to act as an anchor for the dominant hand's downward strike.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Last" in a Sentence
1

He was the last person to arrive.

Sign "last" before signing "person" and "arrive" to indicate he was at the end of the sequence. The downward strike emphasizes the finality of his arrival.

2

This is my last piece of candy.

Use the sign for "last" to show finality, followed by the signs for "candy" and pointing to yourself. This clearly communicates that there is no more left.

3

I read the last chapter of the book.

Sign "last" right before signing "chapter" to specify which part of the book you finished reading. The pinky strike perfectly illustrates reaching the very end of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean 'last' as in 'previous' (like last week)?

No, this specific sign means 'last' as in 'final' or 'at the end of a sequence'. If you want to say 'last week' or 'last year', you would use a different sign that involves a backward motion over the shoulder to indicate past tense.

Do I have to hit my pinky fingers together hard?

Not at all! A light tap or a gentle brushing strike is perfect. You don't need to use force or make a loud sound. The downward motion of the dominant hand and the brief contact between the pinkies are more than enough to convey the meaning clearly and naturally.

Can I use my index fingers instead?

No, it is crucial to use your pinky fingers. Handshapes are a core part of ASL grammar, and changing them changes the word. Striking your index fingers together is the sign for 'same' or 'alike'. Always double-check that your pinkies are the only fingers extended when signing 'last'.

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