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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Rather"

To sign "rather," start by forming an open handshape with your fingers spread apart, and bend your middle finger inward. Bring your hand up to your face, placing the tip of that bent middle finger on or just in front of your chin. Your palm should be facing toward you. Finally, move your hand forward and slightly down in a smooth motion, pulling away from your face.

Examples Using "Rather" in a Sentence

1

I would rather stay home.

To sign this, start by pointing to yourself for "I," then use the sign for "rather" by pulling your bent middle finger away from your chin. Finish the thought by signing "stay" and "home." Your facial expression should show your preference.

2

Which do you rather, apples or oranges?

When offering a choice, use spatial setup. Sign "apples" on your left and "oranges" on your right. Then point to the person, sign "rather," and furrow your eyebrows to indicate a "wh-" question, asking them to choose between the two options.

3

She'd rather read a book.

Begin by pointing to your side to establish "she." Next, sign "rather" with a clear, forward motion from the chin. Conclude the sentence by signing "read" and "book." This smoothly connects her personal preference directly to the action she wants to take.

How to Sign "Rather"
To sign "rather," start by forming an open handshape with your fingers spread apart, and bend your middle finger inward. Bring your hand up to your face, placing the tip of that bent middle finger on or just in front of your chin. Your palm should be facing toward you. Finally, move your hand forward and slightly down in a smooth motion, pulling away from your face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "rather" is identical to the sign for "prefer." In ASL, the bent middle finger is frequently associated with internal feelings, emotions, or personal states—you will see it in signs like "feel," "excite," and "sick." By starting this "feeling" handshape at the chin and pulling it forward, the sign visually represents taking an internal feeling or personal choice and presenting it outward as a preference.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your hand relaxed even while isolating the middle finger. The handshape used here is sometimes called the "open 8" handshape. Make sure the movement is a single, deliberate motion pulling forward and slightly down from the chin. Your facial expression is also key—if you are expressing a strong preference, let your face show that certainty as you bring the sign forward.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often accidentally bend their index finger instead of their middle finger, or they close their hand into a fist as they move it away from the face. Remember to keep your other fingers extended and spread apart throughout the entire sign. Another frequent error is moving the hand side to side rather than straight out from the chin, which can confuse the meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Rather" in a Sentence
1

I would rather stay home.

To sign this, start by pointing to yourself for "I," then use the sign for "rather" by pulling your bent middle finger away from your chin. Finish the thought by signing "stay" and "home." Your facial expression should show your preference.

2

Which do you rather, apples or oranges?

When offering a choice, use spatial setup. Sign "apples" on your left and "oranges" on your right. Then point to the person, sign "rather," and furrow your eyebrows to indicate a "wh-" question, asking them to choose between the two options.

3

She'd rather read a book.

Begin by pointing to your side to establish "she." Next, sign "rather" with a clear, forward motion from the chin. Conclude the sentence by signing "read" and "book." This smoothly connects her personal preference directly to the action she wants to take.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for "rather" the same as "prefer"?

Yes, in ASL, "rather" and "prefer" use the exact same sign! ASL is a concept-based language, so because both words express the idea of favoring one option over another, they share a single sign. The context of your conversation will make the exact English translation clear.

Does my middle finger need to physically touch my chin?

It can lightly touch your chin at the start of the sign, but it isn't strictly required. Starting with the bent middle finger hovering just a fraction of an inch in front of your chin before moving it outward is perfectly fine and very common in fluent, everyday signing.

Can I use this sign to mean "somewhat" or "quite"?

No, this specific sign is only used for "rather" when it means a preference or choice (like "I would rather go"). If you want to say something is "rather cold" or "rather big," you should use facial expressions or signs like "a little" or "very" to show degree.

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