To sign this word (which translates to 'what'), hold both hands in front of you with your palms facing up and fingers relaxed. Shake your hands slightly side to side. It is essential to furrow your eyebrows while doing this, as that facial expression indicates a 'wh-' question in ASL.
Sign 'you', 'do', and then this sign at the end of the sentence while keeping your eyebrows furrowed.
Sign 'your', 'name', and then this sign, maintaining the questioning facial expression throughout the question.
Point to your wrist for 'time' and then use this sign to ask for the current time.
Sign 'you', 'do', and then this sign at the end of the sentence while keeping your eyebrows furrowed.
Sign 'your', 'name', and then this sign, maintaining the questioning facial expression throughout the question.
Point to your wrist for 'time' and then use this sign to ask for the current time.
While the two-handed version is standard and very clear, it is common in casual conversation to use just one hand, especially if your other hand is occupied.
In ASL, facial expressions act as grammar. Furrowed eyebrows indicate a 'wh-' question (who, what, where, when, why), letting the person know you are asking for specific information rather than a simple yes or no.
While this specific sign is understood as 'what', the open-handed palms-up gesture can also be used in contexts like 'well?' or 'what's up?' depending on the exact movement and facial expression.
