How to Sign "Ten"
To sign 'ten', make the dominant hand into a fist, leaving the thumb outstretched. Shake the dominant hand back and forth quickly, so it tremors.
Examples Using "Ten" in a Sentence
1
I have ten dollars.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then sign 'ten' by shaking your outstretched thumb side-to-side before signing 'dollars'.
2
The movie starts at ten o'clock.
Sign 'movie', 'start', 'time', and then sign 'ten' by giving your dominant hand a quick shake with the thumb pointing up.
3
My brother is ten years old.
Sign 'my', 'brother', then sign 'old' by pulling down from your chin, followed immediately by the shaking thumb motion for 'ten'.
How to Sign "Ten"
To sign 'ten', make the dominant hand into a fist, leaving the thumb outstretched. Shake the dominant hand back and forth quickly, so it tremors.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In the ASL number system, numbers one through five use the fingers, and six through nine use finger-to-thumb taps. The number ten introduces a new movement pattern—a shaking motion with the thumb extended. This distinct shake visually separates it from static signs like the letter 'A' or the gesture for 'good'.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement isolated to your wrist. The shake should be a quick, small rotational twist back and forth. Ensure your thumb is pointing straight up and your other fingers are tucked neatly into a tight fist so the handshape is very clear.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is shaking the entire arm instead of just the wrist, which makes the sign look overly exaggerated. Another frequent error is wiggling the thumb itself while keeping the hand still; remember to keep the thumb stiff and let the wrist do the shaking.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ten" in a Sentence
1I have ten dollars.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then sign 'ten' by shaking your outstretched thumb side-to-side before signing 'dollars'.
2The movie starts at ten o'clock.
Sign 'movie', 'start', 'time', and then sign 'ten' by giving your dominant hand a quick shake with the thumb pointing up.
3My brother is ten years old.
Sign 'my', 'brother', then sign 'old' by pulling down from your chin, followed immediately by the shaking thumb motion for 'ten'.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the sign for 'ten' different from the letter 'A'?
While both use a fist, 'ten' requires the thumb to be fully outstretched upwards and includes a quick, side-to-side shaking motion of the wrist. The letter 'A' keeps the thumb resting against the side of the index finger and is completely stationary.
Do I wiggle my thumb or shake my whole hand?
You should keep your thumb completely stiff and shake your entire hand from the wrist. Wiggling the thumb by itself is a common beginner mistake and can make the sign difficult to understand.
Which way should my palm face when signing 'ten'?
Your palm should generally face forward or slightly toward your non-dominant side. This orientation ensures that the person you are conversing with has a clear view of your outstretched thumb as it shakes.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!