How to Sign "Like"
To make the sign like, take your dominant hand in the open 8 handshape and place it on your chest. Then pull the fingers together while pulling away from chest.
Examples Using "Like" in a Sentence
1
I like your shoes.
Point to yourself, sign 'like' by pulling the open 8 handshape away from your chest, point to the person, and then sign 'shoes'. Be sure to smile!
2
Do you like coffee?
Sign 'coffee', point to the person, and sign 'like' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.
3
I really like this book.
Sign 'book', point to yourself, and sign 'like'. To emphasize 'really', make the pulling motion from your chest slightly larger and slower, paired with an enthusiastic facial expression.
How to Sign "Like"
To make the sign like, take your dominant hand in the open 8 handshape and place it on your chest. Then pull the fingers together while pulling away from chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'like' is rooted in the concept of feelings and emotions, which are traditionally signed near the chest or heart in ASL. The motion of the thumb and middle finger gently pulling away from the chest visually represents something tugging at your heartstrings or drawing out a positive feeling from within you.
Signing Tips
Make sure you are using the 'open 8' handshape, which means your thumb and middle finger are extended and apart while your other fingers stay up. As you pull your hand away from your chest, smoothly bring just your thumb and middle finger together. Always pair this sign with a pleasant or happy facial expression to match the meaning!
Common Mistakes
A common beginner mistake is using the entire hand to grab at the chest, like a claw, instead of isolating the thumb and middle finger. Another frequent error is pulling the hand too far away; the movement should be a short, gentle pull just a few inches from your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Like" in a Sentence
1I like your shoes.
Point to yourself, sign 'like' by pulling the open 8 handshape away from your chest, point to the person, and then sign 'shoes'. Be sure to smile!
2Do you like coffee?
Sign 'coffee', point to the person, and sign 'like' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.
3I really like this book.
Sign 'book', point to yourself, and sign 'like'. To emphasize 'really', make the pulling motion from your chest slightly larger and slower, paired with an enthusiastic facial expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'similar to' (e.g., 'It looks like a dog')?
No, this specific sign is only used for the emotion or preference of liking something. If you want to say two things are similar, you would use the ASL sign for 'same' or 'similar', which uses a Y-handshape moving side to side.
Does it matter which hand I use?
You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand on your chest; if you are left-handed, use your left. Keeping your dominant hand consistent helps make your signing much clearer.
How do I sign 'don't like'?
To sign 'don't like', you start the exact same way as 'like' by pulling the open 8 handshape from your chest. However, as you pull away, you smoothly flick your hand around and down, opening your fingers to visually 'throw away' the thing you dislike, paired with a negative headshake.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!