Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Twelve"

Either hand can be used. Raise the hand to a comfortable height and with all other fingers extended, with the palm facing the signer, make a fist or "S" handshape and then quickly extend and retract two or three times the index and middle finger simultaneously.

Examples Using "Twelve" in a Sentence

1

I have twelve cousins.

Sign 'I', 'HAVE', then sign 'TWELVE' by flicking your index and middle fingers up twice from a closed fist, ensuring your palm is facing your body. Finish the sentence by signing 'COUSIN'.

2

She is twelve years old.

Sign 'SHE', then sign 'OLD'. After that, sign 'TWELVE' by raising your dominant hand to a comfortable height and flicking your index and middle fingers upward two or three times simultaneously.

3

We will eat at twelve.

Sign 'WE', 'EAT', 'TIME', and then 'TWELVE'. Make sure to keep your wrist still and only use your index and middle fingers to make the quick extending and retracting motion.

How to Sign "Twelve"
Either hand can be used. Raise the hand to a comfortable height and with all other fingers extended, with the palm facing the signer, make a fist or "S" handshape and then quickly extend and retract two or three times the index and middle finger simultaneously.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'twelve' visually builds upon the base number 'two,' which is represented by the index and middle fingers. In ASL, the numbers eleven through fifteen share a similar pattern: they are formed by flicking or springing the specific fingers up from a closed fist. This upward flicking motion conceptually represents the addition of the base digit to ten.
Signing Tips
When signing 'twelve,' focus on keeping your palm facing inward toward your body and making the flicking motion of the index and middle fingers crisp. Keep your wrist and arm completely stationary; the movement should isolate entirely to the knuckles of those two fingers extending and retracting. Relax your hand to prevent stiffness.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is turning the palm outward toward the listener instead of inward toward themselves. Another common error is bouncing the entire hand or wrist up and down while signing. Remember, the hand stays still while only the index and middle fingers do the work of extending and retracting.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Twelve" in a Sentence
1

I have twelve cousins.

Sign 'I', 'HAVE', then sign 'TWELVE' by flicking your index and middle fingers up twice from a closed fist, ensuring your palm is facing your body. Finish the sentence by signing 'COUSIN'.

2

She is twelve years old.

Sign 'SHE', then sign 'OLD'. After that, sign 'TWELVE' by raising your dominant hand to a comfortable height and flicking your index and middle fingers upward two or three times simultaneously.

3

We will eat at twelve.

Sign 'WE', 'EAT', 'TIME', and then 'TWELVE'. Make sure to keep your wrist still and only use your index and middle fingers to make the quick extending and retracting motion.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my palm have to face me for the number twelve?

In ASL, the numbers one through five, as well as eleven through fifteen, are traditionally signed with the palm facing the signer when used for counting or stating a general quantity. Keeping the palm inward follows standard ASL numerical grammar.

How many times should I flick my fingers?

Generally, flicking your index and middle fingers two times is perfect. Doing it three times is also completely acceptable, but two crisp, simultaneous flicks are the standard and will be easily understood by fluent signers in everyday conversation.

Should I use my right or left hand?

You should use your dominant hand to sign 'twelve.' While the description notes that either hand can technically be used, relying on your dominant hand for numbers and fingerspelling ensures your signing remains consistent, smooth, and natural.

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