How to Sign "Most"

To sign 'most', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing straight up. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest. Start your dominant hand slightly below the non-dominant hand, then move it straight up, lightly brushing your knuckles against the non-dominant hand as it passes by and ends higher up.

Examples Using "Most" in a Sentence

1

Most people like pizza.

Start your sentence with the sign for 'most', moving your dominant 'A' hand upward past your non-dominant hand, before signing 'people', 'like', and 'pizza'.

2

I ate the most.

Sign 'I' and 'eat', then use the sign for 'most'. You can emphasize the upward movement of your dominant hand to show that the amount was truly the highest.

3

She has the most points.

After signing 'she' and 'have', sign 'most' by brushing your dominant hand upward, followed by the sign for 'points'.

How to Sign "Most"
To sign 'most', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing straight up. Hold your non-dominant hand stationary in front of your chest. Start your dominant hand slightly below the non-dominant hand, then move it straight up, lightly brushing your knuckles against the non-dominant hand as it passes by and ends higher up.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual. The stationary hand represents a baseline or a standard amount, while the dominant hand moving upward and past it perfectly illustrates the concept of exceeding others to become 'the most'.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand completely still to act as a clear baseline. The upward movement of your dominant hand should be deliberate and smooth, clearly showing that it is surpassing the stationary hand.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving both hands at the same time. Remember that only your dominant hand should move upward while the non-dominant hand stays firmly in place.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Most" in a Sentence
1

Most people like pizza.

Start your sentence with the sign for 'most', moving your dominant 'A' hand upward past your non-dominant hand, before signing 'people', 'like', and 'pizza'.

2

I ate the most.

Sign 'I' and 'eat', then use the sign for 'most'. You can emphasize the upward movement of your dominant hand to show that the amount was truly the highest.

3

She has the most points.

After signing 'she' and 'have', sign 'most' by brushing your dominant hand upward, followed by the sign for 'points'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'most' related to the sign for 'more'?

While they are related concepts in English, their ASL signs are quite different. 'More' brings the fingertips of flattened 'O' hands together, whereas 'most' uses 'A' hands with one moving upward past the other.

Do my hands need to touch when signing 'most'?

Yes, the knuckles of your dominant hand should lightly brush against the side of your non-dominant hand as it travels upward. This contact helps make the sign clear.

Can I use this sign to mean 'mostly'?

Yes! In ASL, the sign for 'most' is frequently used to convey the concept of 'mostly'. The exact meaning will be clear from the context of your sentence.

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