Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Number"

the sign 'number' uses both hands. Pinch the thumbs against the fingertips of both hands. Bring the hands together so the fingertips of both hands are touching each other. Then, rotate the wrists so one hand goes in towards you and one goes out, with the fingertips still touching.

Examples Using "Number" in a Sentence

1

What is your phone number?

Sign 'YOUR', 'PHONE', and then 'NUMBER' by bringing your pinched fingertips together and twisting your wrists in opposite directions. Since this is a question asking for specific information, remember to furrow your eyebrows while signing.

2

I have a large number of books.

You can sign 'I', 'HAVE', 'LARGE', 'NUMBER', 'BOOKS'. When signing 'NUMBER', make sure your pinched fingertips stay touching as your wrists pivot smoothly. Keep the movement isolated to your wrists rather than using your whole arms.

3

Pick a number between one and ten.

Sign 'CHOOSE', 'NUMBER', 'ONE', 'THROUGH', 'TEN'. For the word 'NUMBER', focus on the smooth twisting motion of the pinched hands touching each other, ensuring one wrist turns inward while the other turns outward.

How to Sign "Number"
the sign 'number' uses both hands. Pinch the thumbs against the fingertips of both hands. Bring the hands together so the fingertips of both hands are touching each other. Then, rotate the wrists so one hand goes in towards you and one goes out, with the fingertips still touching.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "number" is visually rooted in the concept of gathering, tallying, or manipulating items. The pinched handshapes, often referred to as "flat O" hands in ASL, visually represent holding, picking up, or grouping small things together. The twisting motion of the wrists suggests mixing, calculating, or shifting these grouped items around. This iconic movement perfectly captures the abstract idea of numbers, which represent the counting, organizing, and calculating of different quantities in our daily lives.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for "number" look natural and fluid, keep your shoulders relaxed and focus the movement entirely in your wrists. Your pinched fingers, which form what is often called a "flat O" handshape, should act like a central pivot point. Don't pull your hands apart when you twist; keep the fingertips lightly touching as one wrist turns inward and the other turns outward. Practicing this in front of a mirror can help you ensure the rotation is smooth and that your arms aren't doing the work of your wrists.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is pulling their hands apart during the twisting motion. They sometimes separate their hands, twist them in the air, and then bring them back together. To sign this correctly, remember to keep your fingertips touching throughout the entire rotation. Another common error is using the whole arm or elbows to create the twisting motion instead of isolating the movement to just the wrists. Keep your forearms relatively still and let your wrists do all the pivoting to keep the sign concise and clear.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Number" in a Sentence
1

What is your phone number?

Sign 'YOUR', 'PHONE', and then 'NUMBER' by bringing your pinched fingertips together and twisting your wrists in opposite directions. Since this is a question asking for specific information, remember to furrow your eyebrows while signing.

2

I have a large number of books.

You can sign 'I', 'HAVE', 'LARGE', 'NUMBER', 'BOOKS'. When signing 'NUMBER', make sure your pinched fingertips stay touching as your wrists pivot smoothly. Keep the movement isolated to your wrists rather than using your whole arms.

3

Pick a number between one and ten.

Sign 'CHOOSE', 'NUMBER', 'ONE', 'THROUGH', 'TEN'. For the word 'NUMBER', focus on the smooth twisting motion of the pinched hands touching each other, ensuring one wrist turns inward while the other turns outward.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do my hands need to touch the whole time?

Yes, for this specific variation, your pinched fingertips should remain touching. Think of your fingertips as a hinge or pivot point. As your wrists rotate in opposite directions, the connection between your hands stays intact.

Which hand twists towards me and which twists away?

It doesn't strictly matter which hand goes which way. Most signers naturally twist their dominant hand forward (away from them) while the non-dominant hand twists backward (towards them). Just ensure they move in opposite directions simultaneously!

Is this the same sign used for 'math' or 'algebra'?

No, 'math' and 'algebra' use different signs. While they are related concepts, 'math' uses flat hands with the letter 'M' brushing past each other. The sign for 'number' is specifically used for digits, quantities, or asking for a phone number.

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