How to Sign "Six"
To sign 'six', relax the hand with the fingers slightly splayed. Bring the pinkie and the thumb in so the fingertips are pressing together.
Examples Using "Six" in a Sentence
1
I have six cats.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then form the 'six' handshape by touching your thumb and pinkie together, followed by the sign for 'cat'.
2
The movie starts at six.
Sign 'movie', 'start', 'time', and then hold up the 'six' handshape with your palm facing outward to clearly indicate the hour.
3
My sister is six years old.
Sign 'my' and 'sister'. Then, form the 'six' handshape, lightly touch your chin with your index finger, and pull your hand outward to combine the number with the sign for 'age'.
How to Sign "Six"
To sign 'six', relax the hand with the fingers slightly splayed. Bring the pinkie and the thumb in so the fingertips are pressing together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The ASL number system is brilliantly designed to let you count to 99 using just one hand. After counting from one to five, the thumb acts as a base representing 'five'. By touching the thumb to the pinkie (which represents 'one'), you visually create five plus one, making six. The sequence then moves across the fingers for seven, eight, and nine.
Signing Tips
When signing 'six', make sure your palm is facing outward toward the person you are speaking to. Keep your index, middle, and ring fingers relaxed and pointing upward. They do not need to be rigidly straight, just comfortably splayed so the shape is clear. Focus on making a distinct connection between the tip of your thumb and the tip of your pinkie.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is confusing 'six' with 'nine'. Remember that 'six' uses the pinkie finger, while 'nine' uses the index finger. Another frequent error is holding the palm facing inward; for numbers six through nine, your palm should always face outward. Finally, avoid tucking the pinkie under the thumb, which looks like the letter 'W'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Six" in a Sentence
1I have six cats.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then form the 'six' handshape by touching your thumb and pinkie together, followed by the sign for 'cat'.
2The movie starts at six.
Sign 'movie', 'start', 'time', and then hold up the 'six' handshape with your palm facing outward to clearly indicate the hour.
3My sister is six years old.
Sign 'my' and 'sister'. Then, form the 'six' handshape, lightly touch your chin with your index finger, and pull your hand outward to combine the number with the sign for 'age'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way should my palm face when signing 'six'?
For general counting or stating a quantity, your palm should face outward, toward the person you are talking to. This is the standard orientation for numbers six through nine.
How do I remember the difference between six, seven, eight, and nine?
Think of it as a sequence moving across your fingers from the outside in. Six starts with the pinkie (the smallest finger), seven is the ring finger, eight is the middle finger, and nine is the index finger.
Do I need to tap my thumb and pinkie together, or just hold them?
Just holding them together steadily is perfectly fine and standard for the number six. Tapping them together repeatedly can sometimes look like other signs, so a firm, steady hold is best for clarity.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!