How to Sign "Three"
To sign 'three', rotate the hand so the palm is facing towards you. Press the pinkie and ring fingers against the palm, leaving the middle finger, index finger, and thumbs outstretched and splayed.
Examples Using "Three" in a Sentence
1
I have three cats.
Sign 'I', 'HAVE', and then hold up the sign for 'three' with your palm facing toward you to clearly indicate the quantity of cats.
2
We need three more chairs.
Sign 'WE', 'NEED', 'MORE', and then show the sign for 'three', keeping your thumb, index, and middle fingers clearly splayed and facing inward.
3
There are three cars outside.
Sign 'OUTSIDE', 'CARS', and then hold up the sign for 'three' with your palm facing you to show exactly how many cars there are.
How to Sign "Three"
To sign 'three', rotate the hand so the palm is facing towards you. Press the pinkie and ring fingers against the palm, leaving the middle finger, index finger, and thumbs outstretched and splayed.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'three' is a visually intuitive, iconic gesture that directly represents the quantity of three. By extending exactly three digits—the thumb, index, and middle fingers—you are physically showing the number. This specific combination of fingers is used because it is ergonomically comfortable to hold while remaining visually distinct from other numbers and letters in the ASL alphabet.
Signing Tips
When signing cardinal numbers 1 through 5 in ASL, your palm should generally face inward toward your body. Make sure your thumb is fully extended and clearly separated from your index finger for the number three. Using your ring, middle, and index fingers instead is a very common habit from spoken English gestures, but in ASL, that creates a completely different meaning.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake for beginners is holding up the index, middle, and ring fingers to mean 'three' because that is a common gesture in hearing culture. In ASL, that handshape actually represents the letter 'W' or the number '6'. Always remember that the ASL number 'three' relies on extending the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Three" in a Sentence
1I have three cats.
Sign 'I', 'HAVE', and then hold up the sign for 'three' with your palm facing toward you to clearly indicate the quantity of cats.
2We need three more chairs.
Sign 'WE', 'NEED', 'MORE', and then show the sign for 'three', keeping your thumb, index, and middle fingers clearly splayed and facing inward.
3There are three cars outside.
Sign 'OUTSIDE', 'CARS', and then hold up the sign for 'three' with your palm facing you to show exactly how many cars there are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my palm face toward me instead of away from me?
In ASL, cardinal numbers (which are used for counting quantities) from 1 to 5 are traditionally signed with the palm facing inward toward the signer. Numbers 6 through 9 are signed with the palm facing outward.
Can I use my index, middle, and ring fingers instead?
No, in ASL, holding up your index, middle, and ring fingers forms the letter 'W' or the number '6'. To sign 'three' correctly, you must use your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'three'?
You should use your dominant hand to sign numbers. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Just remember to keep the palm facing toward you.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!