How to Sign "Too"
To sign 'too', bring the index, middle, and ring fingers down so they are flat against the palm, leaving the pinkie and thumb outstretched in the Y hand shape. By moving the elbow, move the Y hand shape back an forth so it goes from left to right.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of equality or sharing an experience. The 'Y' handshape, with the thumb and pinky pointing in opposite directions, acts as a visual bridge. As you move it back and forth, it physically connects two people, objects, or ideas, showing that they share the exact same thought, feeling, or action. It literally links 'you' and 'me' together.
Signing Tips
To make your sign look natural, keep your wrist relatively stiff and let the side-to-side motion come smoothly from your elbow. The 'Y' handshape should stay clearly formed with your thumb and pinky fully extended. When you are agreeing with someone directly, you can adjust the direction of the movement slightly so it slides back and forth between yourself and the person you are talking to, which visually emphasizes the 'me too' connection.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often make the mistake of twisting their wrist back and forth, like pouring a drink, rather than moving the entire forearm from the elbow. It is important to keep the palm facing down or slightly angled. Another frequent error is forgetting to extend the thumb, accidentally making an 'I' handshape instead of the required 'Y' handshape. Ensure both your thumb and pinky are fully outstretched.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Too" in a Sentence
1I like chocolate too.
Sign 'I', 'LIKE', 'CHOCOLATE', and then use the 'Y' handshape moving side to side to show that you share that preference.
2Are you going too?
Sign 'YOU', 'GO', and finish with the 'Y' handshape moving left to right, making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
3Me too!
When someone shares an experience you relate to, simply form the 'Y' handshape and slide it back and forth between yourself and the other person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'too much'?
No, this sign specifically means 'also', 'as well', or 'same'. If you want to say 'too much' (like 'too hot' or 'too expensive'), ASL uses a completely different sign where one hand stacks on top of the other.
Does the direction of the movement matter?
Yes! While the standard sign moves left to right, if you are saying 'me too' to someone specific, you should move the 'Y' handshape back and forth directly between yourself and that person.
Is this the same sign as 'same'?
Yes! In ASL, the concepts of 'too', 'also', and 'same' often use this exact same 'Y' handshape moving side to side. The context of your sentence will make the meaning clear.
Related ASL Signs