Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Today"

the sign today uses both hands. with the palms of both hands facing your chest, bring in the index, middle, and ring fingers so they are pressed against the palm. this will leave both pinkies and thumbs extended, creating the signy. bring both hands down about an inch, then to their original position, then down again. both hands should move at the same time.

Examples Using "Today" in a Sentence

1

How are you doing today?

Sign "HOW", point to the person for "YOU", and then use the double-bouncing 'Y' hands with palms facing your chest to sign "TODAY". Keep your eyebrows lowered since it is a 'wh-' question.

2

I have to work today.

Point to yourself for "I", sign "WORK" by tapping your wrists together, and finish by bringing both 'Y' hands downward twice to sign "TODAY".

3

Today is a beautiful day.

Start the sentence by signing "TODAY" with the double downward motion of your 'Y' hands. Then sign "BEAUTIFUL" across your face, followed by the sign for "DAY".

How to Sign "Today"
the sign today uses both hands. with the palms of both hands facing your chest, bring in the index, middle, and ring fingers so they are pressed against the palm. this will leave both pinkies and thumbs extended, creating the signy. bring both hands down about an inch, then to their original position, then down again. both hands should move at the same time.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "today" is closely related to the sign for "now." The 'Y' handshapes are brought downward to indicate the immediate present—right here, right now. By doubling the downward bouncing movement of "now," the sign expands the concept of the immediate present to encompass the entire current day. The downward motion visually grounds the concept, emphasizing the "here and now" of the current day.
Signing Tips
To sign "today" clearly, make sure your 'Y' handshapes are crisp, with only the thumbs and pinkies fully extended. Keep your movements relatively small and controlled; the downward bounce should only be about an inch each time. Ensure both hands move in perfect sync. Remember to keep your palms facing your chest throughout the entire movement, as twisting your wrists can accidentally change the meaning of the sign or make it look sloppy.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using the sign for 'NOW' instead of 'TODAY'. While 'NOW' uses the exact same 'Y' handshapes and downward motion, it only moves down once. 'TODAY' requires a double bounce. Another frequent error is letting the palms face upward or toward the floor instead of keeping them facing your chest as described. Finally, make sure you don't alternate the hands; they must bounce downward at the exact same time.
Regional Variations
Some signers use a compound sign for "today" by first signing "NOW" (a single downward movement with 'Y' hands) followed immediately by the sign for "DAY" (resting the elbow on the back of the opposite hand and lowering the dominant arm). However, the double-bounce 'Y' hand version is highly common and widely understood.
Examples Using "Today" in a Sentence
1

How are you doing today?

Sign "HOW", point to the person for "YOU", and then use the double-bouncing 'Y' hands with palms facing your chest to sign "TODAY". Keep your eyebrows lowered since it is a 'wh-' question.

2

I have to work today.

Point to yourself for "I", sign "WORK" by tapping your wrists together, and finish by bringing both 'Y' hands downward twice to sign "TODAY".

3

Today is a beautiful day.

Start the sentence by signing "TODAY" with the double downward motion of your 'Y' hands. Then sign "BEAUTIFUL" across your face, followed by the sign for "DAY".

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for 'today' and 'now'?

The difference is entirely in the movement. 'Now' uses the exact same 'Y' handshapes with the palms facing your chest, but you only bring your hands down a single time. To sign 'today,' you must bounce the hands down twice.

Do my palms have to face my chest?

Yes, for this specific variation, keeping your palms facing your chest is important. If you turn your palms to face upward or outward, it can look incorrect or be confused with other signs. Keep your thumbs pointing up and pinkies pointing down or forward.

Can I sign this with just one hand if I'm holding something?

While ASL does allow for one-handed signing when your other hand is occupied, 'today' is naturally a symmetrical two-handed sign. If you absolutely must use one hand, do the exact same double-bouncing 'Y' shape motion, but try to use both hands whenever possible for clarity.

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