How to Sign "Little"
the sign 'little' uses both hands. start with both hands chest width apart from each other, with their palms facing. bring the hands in closer together, stopping with about an inch between the two hands.
Examples Using "Little" in a Sentence
1
I only want a little bit of cake.
Sign 'I', 'want', and then use the 'little' sign by bringing your palms close together to visually show the small size of the piece you are requesting.
2
My new puppy is very little.
Sign 'my', 'new', 'dog', and then emphasize 'little' by bringing your hands close together. You can hunch your shoulders slightly to add to the feeling of smallness.
3
Can I have a little milk, please?
Sign 'milk', then use the 'little' sign, bringing your palms almost together to indicate a small volume or amount, followed by the sign for 'please'.
How to Sign "Little"
the sign 'little' uses both hands. start with both hands chest width apart from each other, with their palms facing. bring the hands in closer together, stopping with about an inch between the two hands.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents exactly what it means. By holding your hands apart and bringing them close together, you are literally outlining the physical dimensions of something small, as if you are holding a tiny object or measuring a small gap in the air.
Signing Tips
To make your sign more expressive, use your face! When signing 'little,' you can squint your eyes slightly or purse your lips to emphasize just how small the object or amount is. Keep the movement smooth and controlled, ensuring your hands stay parallel as they move closer together.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is bringing the hands completely together so they clap or touch. Remember to stop with about an inch of space between your palms. Another common error is moving the hands too quickly, which can look like a clapping motion rather than a descriptive measurement.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Little" in a Sentence
1I only want a little bit of cake.
Sign 'I', 'want', and then use the 'little' sign by bringing your palms close together to visually show the small size of the piece you are requesting.
2My new puppy is very little.
Sign 'my', 'new', 'dog', and then emphasize 'little' by bringing your hands close together. You can hunch your shoulders slightly to add to the feeling of smallness.
3Can I have a little milk, please?
Sign 'milk', then use the 'little' sign, bringing your palms almost together to indicate a small volume or amount, followed by the sign for 'please'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to talk about a 'little' child?
While you can use this to describe the physical size of a child, ASL often uses a different sign (patting the air at a low height) to mean a young child. This specific sign is best for showing a small amount or the physical dimensions of an object.
What handshape should I use for this sign?
Your hands should generally be flat with your fingers kept together, as if you are holding a small box between your palms. The main focus is on the distance between your hands rather than a complex finger position.
How do I show that something is *extremely* little?
To show something is very little, bring your hands even closer together, leaving just a tiny sliver of a gap. You should also squint your eyes and purse your lips to visually emphasize the extreme smallness.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!