How to Sign "Thirty"

To sign “Thirty”, Using your dominant hand into “three” handshape which is making sure extending your thumb, index and middle fingers while ring finger and pinkie stay down on the palm. Then have your dominant index and middle fingers touch the thumb a couple of times.

Examples Using "Thirty" in a Sentence

1

I am thirty years old.

Sign 'age' by pulling down from your chin, then sign 'thirty' by forming the ASL 'three' handshape and tapping your index and middle fingers to your thumb.

2

The speed limit is thirty.

After signing 'speed' and 'limit', finish the sentence with 'thirty' by bringing your extended index and middle fingers down to touch your thumb a couple of times.

3

That costs thirty dollars.

Sign 'thirty' using your dominant hand with your palm facing forward, then sign 'dollars' by sliding your dominant hand off your non-dominant hand.

How to Sign "Thirty"
To sign “Thirty”, Using your dominant hand into “three” handshape which is making sure extending your thumb, index and middle fingers while ring finger and pinkie stay down on the palm. Then have your dominant index and middle fingers touch the thumb a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'thirty' is a fluid, lexicalized combination of the numbers 'three' and 'zero'. By starting with the ASL 'three' handshape and closing the fingers to the thumb (mimicking the 'O' or 'zero' shape), the sign visually blends the two digits into one smooth, repeated motion.
Signing Tips
Keep your hand relaxed and your palm facing forward when signing 'thirty'. The movement should be a quick, light tapping motion where your index and middle fingers meet your thumb, rather than a stiff or forceful pinch. Make sure your ring and pinky fingers stay tucked away.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the 'W' handshape (index, middle, and ring fingers extended) instead of the ASL 'three' handshape (thumb, index, and middle fingers). Another mistake is turning the palm inward; keep your palm facing outward toward the person you are signing to.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Thirty" in a Sentence
1

I am thirty years old.

Sign 'age' by pulling down from your chin, then sign 'thirty' by forming the ASL 'three' handshape and tapping your index and middle fingers to your thumb.

2

The speed limit is thirty.

After signing 'speed' and 'limit', finish the sentence with 'thirty' by bringing your extended index and middle fingers down to touch your thumb a couple of times.

3

That costs thirty dollars.

Sign 'thirty' using your dominant hand with your palm facing forward, then sign 'dollars' by sliding your dominant hand off your non-dominant hand.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we use the thumb for the number three in ASL?

In ASL, the number 'three' uses the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Using the index, middle, and ring fingers (like many hearing Americans do) actually represents the letter 'W' or the number 'six' in ASL.

Do I need to sign 'three' and then 'zero' separately?

No, you do not need to sign them as two distinct, separate numbers. The sign for 'thirty' combines them into one fluid motion by simply tapping the extended fingers to the thumb.

Which hand should I use to sign 'thirty'?

Always use your dominant hand for numbers like 'thirty'. Keep your hand steady in one place in front of you rather than moving your arm around while your fingers do the tapping.

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