How to Sign "Quantity"
To sign "quantity," start by forming both of your hands into flattened "O" shapes, where all of your fingertips are pressed against the pads of your thumbs. Hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward each other. Bring your hands together so that the fingertips of your right hand touch the fingertips of your left hand. Next, twist your wrists slightly in opposite directions and tap your fingertips together a second time. This is the same sign commonly used for "number."
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual motivation behind this sign is rooted in the idea of gathering or tallying items. The flattened "O" handshapes represent holding or bringing together multiple small items into a single group. The tapping and twisting motion visually mimics the act of calculating, organizing, or counting out a specific number or amount of those items. Over time, this natural gesture evolved into the standard ASL sign used for concepts like number, amount, and quantity.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for "quantity," focus on keeping your movements smooth and controlled. Ensure your fingertips are neatly gathered together in the flattened "O" shape rather than a loose claw. The twisting motion should come entirely from your wrists, keeping your forearms and elbows relatively still. It is a gentle, deliberate tap, so avoid clapping your hands together forcefully. Relax your shoulders and keep the sign centered right in front of your chest for the best visibility.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using full, round "O" shapes instead of flattened "O" shapes, which can confuse the meaning. Another frequent error is forgetting to twist the wrists between the first and second tap, or twisting the entire arm instead of just the wrist. Make sure that only your fingertips are touching during the taps; avoid letting your knuckles, palms, or fingers overlap or interlock, as that changes the sign completely.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Quantity" in a Sentence
1We need a large quantity of paper.
Sign "quantity" followed by the sign for "large" or "big" to emphasize the substantial size of the amount you are requesting.
2What quantity did you order?
Sign "quantity" while furrowing your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward, which is the standard ASL facial grammar for asking a "wh-" question.
3The recipe only makes a small quantity.
After signing "quantity," use the sign for "small" with a subtle squint to clearly describe the limited, tiny amount that is produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for "quantity" the same as "number"?
Yes! In American Sign Language, the sign for "quantity" is the exact same sign used for "number." The context of your sentence and the topic of your conversation will make it perfectly clear to the listener which English concept you are referring to.
Do I absolutely have to twist my hands?
Yes, the slight twisting motion of the wrists between the two taps is a crucial part of the sign. This movement is what distinguishes it from other similar signs and adds the specific meaning of calculating or counting an amount.
Can I use this sign to ask "how much"?
While the concepts are closely related, asking "how much" usually uses a different sign where you toss your hands upward into open "5" handshapes. Use the "quantity" sign when referring to a specific amount or a number of items.
Related ASL Signs
