How to Sign "S"
To sign 's', make the hand into a fist. Bring the thumb across the fingers, so the tip of the thumb is at the knuckle of the middle finger.
Examples Using "S" in a Sentence
1
My name is Sam.
To fingerspell the name 'Sam', start by forming the 'S' handshape with your thumb wrapped across your fingers, then transition smoothly into the 'A' and 'M' handshapes while keeping your hand steady.
2
I am sorry.
The 'S' handshape is used as the base for the sign 'Sorry'. Form the 'S' fist as described, place it over the center of your chest, and rub it in a gentle circular motion.
3
The sun is hot.
When fingerspelling the word 'Sun', begin with your hand in the 'S' fist with the thumb resting on the middle finger's knuckle, then flow directly into the 'U' and 'N' handshapes.
How to Sign "S"
To sign 's', make the hand into a fist. Bring the thumb across the fingers, so the tip of the thumb is at the knuckle of the middle finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The ASL letter 'S' is part of the manual alphabet. While the shape itself is an arbitrary closed fist, its specific thumb-across-the-fingers position was deliberately designed to be easily visually distinguishable from other fist-based letters like 'A', 'E', 'T', 'M', and 'N'.
Signing Tips
To make a clear 'S', pay close attention to your thumb placement. Ensure your thumb wraps across the front of your fingers, resting securely over the middle finger's knuckle. Keep your hand relaxed but firm enough to hold the shape. When fingerspelling to someone, keep your palm facing forward and your hand steady at about shoulder height.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is confusing the letter 'S' with the letter 'A'. Remember that for 'S', the thumb wraps across the front of the fingers like a seatbelt. For 'A', the thumb rests straight up against the side of the index finger. Another frequent mistake is squeezing the fist too tightly, which causes unnecessary hand fatigue.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "S" in a Sentence
1My name is Sam.
To fingerspell the name 'Sam', start by forming the 'S' handshape with your thumb wrapped across your fingers, then transition smoothly into the 'A' and 'M' handshapes while keeping your hand steady.
2I am sorry.
The 'S' handshape is used as the base for the sign 'Sorry'. Form the 'S' fist as described, place it over the center of your chest, and rub it in a gentle circular motion.
3The sun is hot.
When fingerspelling the word 'Sun', begin with your hand in the 'S' fist with the thumb resting on the middle finger's knuckle, then flow directly into the 'U' and 'N' handshapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell the difference between 'S' and 'A'?
Look at the thumb placement! For the letter 'S', your thumb crosses over the front of your fingers. For the letter 'A', your thumb rests vertically against the side of your index finger.
Do I need to squeeze my fist tightly to sign 'S'?
No, you do not need to squeeze hard. Just gently curl your fingers into a fist and lay your thumb across them. Squeezing too tightly will quickly tire out your hand while fingerspelling.
Which way should my palm face when signing 'S'?
When you are fingerspelling a word to someone, your palm should face outward, directly toward the person you are talking to. Keep your arm relaxed and your hand relatively still.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!