How to Sign "Up"
To sign 'up', ball the dominant hand into a fist, with the index finger still outstretched. Point the index finger up towards the ceiling.
Examples Using "Up" in a Sentence
1
Look up at the sky.
Sign 'look' and then use the 'up' sign by pointing your dominant index finger toward the ceiling to clearly indicate the direction to look.
2
The balloon floated up.
After signing 'balloon', use your dominant index finger to point upwards, showing the physical path the balloon traveled.
3
My bedroom is up there.
You can use the 'up' sign by pointing your index finger toward the ceiling to indicate that your room is located on an upper level.
How to Sign "Up"
To sign 'up', ball the dominant hand into a fist, with the index finger still outstretched. Point the index finger up towards the ceiling.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and natural. It relies on a universal gesture—using the index finger to point in the specific direction being referenced. By pointing directly toward the ceiling, the sign visually represents the spatial concept of 'up' in a literal and straightforward way.
Signing Tips
Keep your movement clear and deliberate. When pointing your index finger toward the ceiling, you can also tilt your head slightly upward or shift your eye gaze up to reinforce the direction. Non-manual markers like eye gaze are a crucial part of ASL and help make your signing much more natural and expressive.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a loose handshape instead of a crisp '1' handshape (a tight fist with only the index finger extended). Beginners also sometimes forget to look up; remember that your eyes should follow the direction you are pointing to make the meaning crystal clear.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Up" in a Sentence
1Look up at the sky.
Sign 'look' and then use the 'up' sign by pointing your dominant index finger toward the ceiling to clearly indicate the direction to look.
2The balloon floated up.
After signing 'balloon', use your dominant index finger to point upwards, showing the physical path the balloon traveled.
3My bedroom is up there.
You can use the 'up' sign by pointing your index finger toward the ceiling to indicate that your room is located on an upper level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my hand up, or just point?
You can do a slight upward motion with your hand as you point toward the ceiling, but the most important part is the upward direction of your index finger. The context usually dictates how big the movement needs to be.
Can I use this sign to mean 'wake up'?
No, the sign for 'wake up' uses a completely different handshape and movement near the eyes. This pointing sign is strictly used for the physical direction or location of 'up'.
Should I use my right or left hand?
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right index finger to point up. If you are left-handed, use your left. Consistency with your dominant hand is key in ASL.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!