How to Sign "Twenty"
To sign 'twenty', press the hand into a fist, with the index finger and thumb outstretched. Face the palm downwards, and pinch the index finger and the thumb together.
Examples Using "Twenty" in a Sentence
1
I have twenty dollars.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then perform the 'twenty' sign by pointing your palm down and pinching your index finger and thumb together. Finish with the sign for 'dollars'.
2
He is twenty years old.
Sign 'he' by pointing to the person, then sign 'age' by pulling your fist down from your chin. Follow this immediately with the downward-facing pinching motion of 'twenty'.
3
We need twenty chairs.
Sign 'we', then 'need'. Next, hold your hand palm down and pinch your thumb and index finger together to sign 'twenty', and finally sign 'chairs'.
How to Sign "Twenty"
To sign 'twenty', press the hand into a fist, with the index finger and thumb outstretched. Face the palm downwards, and pinch the index finger and the thumb together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'twenty' is a beautiful example of ASL numeral assimilation. It originates from rapidly combining the number 'two' and the number 'zero'. Over time, this combination smoothed out into a single, fluid motion. The outstretched index finger and thumb (an 'L' shape) represent the 'two', and the pinching motion represents the hand closing into a 'zero'.
Signing Tips
When signing 'twenty', keep your wrist relaxed and your movement crisp. Make sure only your index finger and thumb are outstretched from your fist, keeping the other three fingers tucked away. The pinching motion should be quick and light, usually repeated twice. Ensure your palm is facing downwards or slightly forward, rather than directly at the person you are talking to, to keep the sign looking natural and easy to read.
Common Mistakes
A common beginner mistake is facing the palm completely forward instead of downwards. Another frequent error is using the entire hand to pinch, similar to a duck's bill, rather than keeping the middle, ring, and pinky fingers tucked neatly into a fist. Make sure only the index finger and thumb are doing the work, and keep the movement isolated to those two digits.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Twenty" in a Sentence
1I have twenty dollars.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then perform the 'twenty' sign by pointing your palm down and pinching your index finger and thumb together. Finish with the sign for 'dollars'.
2He is twenty years old.
Sign 'he' by pointing to the person, then sign 'age' by pulling your fist down from your chin. Follow this immediately with the downward-facing pinching motion of 'twenty'.
3We need twenty chairs.
Sign 'we', then 'need'. Next, hold your hand palm down and pinch your thumb and index finger together to sign 'twenty', and finally sign 'chairs'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pinch my fingers together once or twice?
For the number twenty, you typically pinch your index finger and thumb together twice in a quick, light motion. A single pinch is usually reserved for the transition when forming larger compound numbers like twenty-one or twenty-two.
Does it matter which hand I use?
You should always use your dominant hand to sign numbers like 'twenty'. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to make the downward-facing pinching motion, and keep your non-dominant hand resting at your side.
Why does it look different from the number two?
While the number 'two' uses the index and middle fingers pointing up, 'twenty' evolved to use the thumb and index finger. This allows for a much faster, more ergonomic transition into the 'zero' shape by simply pinching them together.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!