Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Third"

To sign 'third', form the ASL number '3' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your thumb, index, and middle fingers while keeping your ring and pinky fingers tucked in. Hold your hand in front of you with your palm facing outward or slightly to the side. Then, sharply twist your wrist inward so that your palm ends up facing towards your body. The movement should be a single, smooth rotation.

Examples Using "Third" in a Sentence

1

I am third in line.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', then sign 'third' by forming the ASL '3' handshape and twisting your wrist inward. Finally, sign 'line' by pulling both pinky fingers apart to show your position in the queue.

2

This is my third time visiting.

Start with the possessive sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest. Then, sign 'third' with a clear inward twist of your '3' handshape. Follow this with the signs for 'time' and 'visit' to complete the thought.

3

She won third place.

Point to the person to indicate 'she', then sign 'win' by grabbing an imaginary prize in the air. Finish by signing 'third' with the twisting motion to clearly indicate her placement in the competition.

How to Sign "Third"
To sign 'third', form the ASL number '3' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your thumb, index, and middle fingers while keeping your ring and pinky fingers tucked in. Hold your hand in front of you with your palm facing outward or slightly to the side. Then, sharply twist your wrist inward so that your palm ends up facing towards your body. The movement should be a single, smooth rotation.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a classic example of ASL morphology, where a base sign is modified to create a related meaning. It takes the base handshape for the cardinal number '3' and applies a specific movement—an inward twisting of the wrist. This twisting motion is the standard grammatical marker used in ASL to change cardinal numbers (one, two, three) into ordinal numbers (first, second, third), showing their place in a sequence.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrist relaxed so the twisting motion is smooth and natural. Remember that the ASL number '3' uses the thumb, index, and middle fingers—not the index, middle, and ring fingers like many hearing people use. The twist should be a single, deliberate movement that ends with your palm facing directly at you. Practicing this in a mirror can help you ensure the rotation is clear.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using the wrong fingers for the number '3' (extending the index, middle, and ring fingers instead of the thumb). Another common error is shaking, bouncing, or waving the hand instead of executing a clear, single inward twist of the wrist. Make sure the movement comes entirely from the wrist and not the elbow or shoulder.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Third" in a Sentence
1

I am third in line.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', then sign 'third' by forming the ASL '3' handshape and twisting your wrist inward. Finally, sign 'line' by pulling both pinky fingers apart to show your position in the queue.

2

This is my third time visiting.

Start with the possessive sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest. Then, sign 'third' with a clear inward twist of your '3' handshape. Follow this with the signs for 'time' and 'visit' to complete the thought.

3

She won third place.

Point to the person to indicate 'she', then sign 'win' by grabbing an imaginary prize in the air. Finish by signing 'third' with the twisting motion to clearly indicate her placement in the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions
How is signing 'third' different from signing the number 'three'?

The cardinal number 'three' is typically signed by simply holding the '3' handshape still, with the palm facing you. To sign 'third', you must add the twisting motion of the wrist. This specific movement changes the meaning from a simple quantity to a position in a sequence.

Do I use this sign for the fraction 'one-third'?

No, fractions are signed differently in ASL. To sign 'one-third', you would sign the number '1', move your hand slightly downward, and then sign the number '3'. The twisting motion is strictly reserved for ordinal numbers like 'first', 'second', and 'third'.

Can I use this sign for 'third grade'?

Yes, you can use this ordinal sign for 'third' followed by the sign for 'grade'. However, in everyday conversation, some signers might simply sign 'three' and 'grade', or use a slight shaking motion of the number handshape specifically for school grades 1 through 9.

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